The family of one of the two officers killed when a car driving the wrong way on the A66 dual carriageway crashed into their police vehicle said he was “our hero” who was “always on public duty”.

Pc Tom Clough, 38, died alongside Pc Matthew Blades, 37, when a Volkswagen Passat, that had been pursued by police, hit the marked armed response vehicle in Teesside early on Saturday.

Five males aged between 17 and 23 who were travelling in the Volkswagen were also killed.

Pc Clough’s family said in a statement issued by Cleveland Police: “He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason.

“Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place. Always on public duty throughout his short life.”

They added: “We as a family and Tom’s partner would like to express our sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences from friends, colleagues and the wider community.”

Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak were also pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which said on Sunday that Pc Blades and Pc Clough were not involved in the original pursuit, but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the Passat.

Cleveland Police had received intelligence relating to “numerous incidents” linked to a Passat, the watchdog said in its description of events.

The vehicle, containing the five occupants and believed to have been using cloned plates, was spotted.

The plates had activated an ANPR camera, the IOPC added.

An armed response vehicle started a pursuit that lasted just under seven minutes before the Passat drove on to the A66 in South Bank against the flow of traffic.

Police aborted the chase and continued to travel on the correct side of the carriageway.

The Passat crashed into Pc Blades and Pc Clough’s vehicle around 10 seconds after the pursuit ceased.

IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell paid his condolences to those affected, adding: “We recognise the devastating impact the incident has had on those in the force, and the wider policing community, and offer our condolences.

“We have obtained initial accounts of officers involved in the pursuit, the incident log and in-car footage of the incident.

“Work is ongoing to obtain additional material.”

A fundraiser for the officers’ families had raised nearly £16,000 out of its £20,000 target by Sunday evening.

The money is to be split equally between them to use “as they so wish” as they “try to navigate this traumatic time”, said the organisers Cleveland Police Federation.

A second crowdfunder had raised more than £3,500 of its £8,000 target for Pc Clough and Pc Blades’ families.

Husband and father-of-two Pc Blades coached his eldest son in football and was looking forward to teaching his youngest for another squad.

He had recently become a Seaton Carew FC coach and was preparing for his first turn teaching its under-sevens Seahawks team.

“He was looking forward to being part of the team and, most importantly, to coaching his own son, who is going to be playing for the Seahawks this season,” the club said on social media.

“Matty and his oldest son are much-loved members of our club and our U10 Lions football family.”

Meanwhile, FC Hartlepool described Pc Blades as a “much-loved member of our football family”.

The club said: “As coach of our U10 Reds, a team that was made even more special by having his eldest son playing alongside the boys, Matty was so much more than a coach.

“He was a role model, a mentor, a friend, and someone the children looked up to and admired.

“He was able to share his love of football with his son while inspiring and supporting every child on the team.”

A man who knew Pc Clough called him a “true friend, fantastic soldier and I have no doubt even better police officer”, in a tribute on social media.

“Taken far too soon words fail me right now. Until we meet again sleep tight my mate,” he added.

Meanwhile Guisborough Rugby Club said it was “saddened by the tragic loss” of the two officers.

Pc Blades was part of the club’s mini and junior section and his family “is still involved in the rugby community”, it posted on social media, adding: “At this difficult time, we stand with the families & our wider community as we remember two men who dedicated their lives to protecting others.”

Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency where the accident happened, on Sunday paid condolences to the deceased and said the “whole community is reeling here today”, describing Cleveland Police as a “close-knit” force.

Cleveland police and crime commissioner Matt Storey echoed the sentiment, telling Sky News: “It is a small place, and the force is a really tight-knit family, really, and I think it will have a big impact on them.”

A silent prayer vigil will be held at St John the Evangelist Church in South Bank on Monday, in which the parish priest will say: “Say prayers every hour on the hour for those who lost their lives, for their families, friends and colleagues and all who are struggling with the great sense of loss and grief at this time.”

Tributes and messages of support for the families of the five young men have poured in on social media, with many of their friends saying they “can’t believe it” and were “heartbroken” and “lost for words”.

Balloon releases have been announced in their memory, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at different locations including in South Bank.

One male paying tribute to Mr Rae, Mr Worthy and Mr Saddington said “life will never be the same” and called them “the most kindest lads about”.

Another social media post called Mr Matusiak “the funniest, caring, kind hearted person in the world” who “lit up every room”.

One message, dedicated to all five young men, said: “We all knew use and knew use had hearts of gold and most loyalist lads.”