Middlesbrough schools to close early ahead of A66 crash funeral

Four schools in Middlesbrough will close early on Friday due to safety concerns and expected traffic disruption surrounding the funeral of Jakub Matusiak. Mr. Matusiak, 23, was one of five young men killed on August 22 when a Volkswagen Passat traveling the wrong way on the A66 collided with a marked police car. The crash also killed two police officers, PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38.

South Bank Primary School, Outwood Academy Normanby, Archway Academy, and St Margaret Clitherow's Catholic Primary School have all confirmed early closures. South Bank Primary School stated the decision was made to ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils, noting that some children might feel upset or anxious. The Mackenzie Thorpe Centre will also be closed all day.

Cleveland Police and Redcar and Cleveland Council indicated that large crowds are expected at St John's Church on Normanby Road. Supt John Wrintmore warned of potential traffic delays between 15:00 and 17:00 affecting areas including South Bank, Teesville, Ormesby, Marton, and Acklam Road.

The decision to close schools follows a vigil held last week for another victim, Michael Cahill, which was followed by disorder in Haswell, County Durham, where several cars were set on fire. The Independent Office for Police Conduct reported that the Volkswagen Passat was being pursued by police until 10 seconds before the collision and was believed to be using cloned registration plates.