The wife of one of the two police officers killed when a car driving the wrong way on the A66 dual carriageway crashed into their police vehicle has said he was a “superhero” and “the most devoted father to our two young boys”.

Pc Matthew Blades, 37, died alongside Pc Tom Clough, 38, 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 Blades’ wife said in a statement issued by Cleveland Police: “No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt – my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys.

“He was an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle.

“He was loved beyond words by all his family and friends, and his loss has left a space that can never be filled.

“He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.

“The pain of losing him is beyond words, and our lives will never be the same. Neither will the love he gave us ever fade.

“Our children will grow up knowing what an incredible father he was and will always be, and I will carry his love, his memory and everything we shared with me always.”

She added: “Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad.”

Earlier on Sunday, Pc Clough’s family said in a statement he was “our hero” who was “always on public duty”.

Their statement, also issued by Cleveland Police, read: “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.”

It continued: “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, as the plates had activated an ANPR camera.

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.

A fundraiser for the officers’ families had raised more than £92,000 out of its £100,000 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 £12,500 of its £20,000 target for Pc Clough and Pc Blades’ families.