SONS OF FALLEN POLICE OFFICER LEAD MANCHESTER UNITED OUT IN EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE

The two sons of a British police officer who died in a tragic road crash were given a special honour at Old Trafford on Sunday as they led Manchester United onto the pitch as mascots for the Premier League clash with Ipswich Town.

The boys, whose father PC Matthew Blades was a devoted Manchester United supporter, walked out alongside the players ahead of the match, in a touching tribute to his life and service.

Blades and his colleague, PC Tom Clough, were killed on August 22 when their police vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with another car travelling in the wrong direction on the A66 near Middlesbrough. Five people in the other vehicle also died in the crash.

Manchester United paid tribute to Blades in the official matchday programme, describing him as a proud supporter of the club, a dedicated family man and a police officer who devoted his life to helping others.

His widow attended the match with their children as the boys took part in the pre-match ceremony, creating an emotional moment for the family and supporters inside Old Trafford.

Blades was reportedly a regular visitor to Old Trafford and had shared his passion for Manchester United with his children. The club's gesture therefore provided the family with an opportunity to honour his memory at a place that held special significance to him.

The tragedy has prompted tributes from across the football community. Match officials at Leeds United's fixture against Brentford wore black armbands in memory of the two officers, while Middlesbrough supporters and players observed a minute's applause before their Championship match against West Bromwich Albion.

Blades also had strong links with grassroots football in the local community. He had worked as a junior football coach at Seaton Carew FC and was involved with youth football, making his death particularly painful for the clubs and young players who knew him.

The crash has also led to a major investigation. Authorities have arrested 24 people in connection with the circumstances surrounding the incident, while investigations into the fatal collision continue.

The Manchester United tribute was widely seen as a fitting way to remember Blades, combining his dedication to public service with his love for the football club.

For his sons and family, leading the team onto the Old Trafford pitch offered a deeply personal moment of remembrance for a father who was not only committed to protecting others but was also a passionate Manchester United fan.