Middlesbrough Schools Close Early for Funeral of A66 Crash Victim

Several schools in Middlesbrough are closing early today ahead of the funeral of 17-year-old Theo Rae, one of seven individuals killed in the A66 crash. Pupils at four schools in the Acklam area will be sent home hours before the normal end of the school day as mourners prepare to gather for Rae's funeral at Teesside Crematorium this afternoon. Outwood Academy Acklam will close at 12:15 PM, Newham Bridge Primary School at 1 PM, and Acklam Whin Primary School and Green Lane School at 1:15 PM after pupils have had their lunch. This decision comes only a week after schools reopened following the summer holidays. According to Middlesbrough Council, the decisions have been made by the individual schools due to concerns that the funeral could cause local traffic disruption and delays later in the afternoon. The closures follow a similar situation three days prior when schools in neighbouring South Bank sent children home early for the funeral of another victim, 23-year-old Jakub Matusiak. Cleveland Police reported that Matusiak's funeral 'passed without issue' and caused 'very minimal traffic disruption.' The decision to close schools has sparked a political debate, with Conservative politicians accusing authorities of allowing criminality to interfere with education. Conservative MP Laura Trott stated that schools 'should stay open for children to learn,' following the early closures for Matusiak's funeral. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the government for the repeat closures, stating on X that it is 'obscene' and that it is the government's duty to keep schools open. She expressed concern that this situation sends a message to criminals that the government is unable to ensure public safety. The recent tensions in Middlesbrough stem from the deaths of Rae and the other young men involved in the crash on August 22. The collision occurred at approximately 3:39 AM when a Volkswagen Passat traveled the wrong way along the A66 and collided head-on with a Cleveland Police vehicle, resulting in the deaths of PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38. All five occupants of the Passat also died, including Michael Cahill, 23, Matusiak, Makai Saddington, 18, Rae, and Cole Worthy, 17. The crash has prompted a significant police operation investigating suspected serious and organized criminal activity, leading to numerous arrests. Cleveland Police is expected to maintain a visible presence during Rae's funeral. Police have clarified that the decision to close schools was made by individual organizations based on their assessments, and there were no orders for closures from the police or other authorities.