The mystery of the masked mourners at Jakub Matusiak’s funeral — another striking detail noticed during the young man’s farewell is now drawing attention
Hundreds of people – some wearing balaclavas – have gathered in Middlesbrough for the first funeral of one of five young men killed in a head-on crash on the A66. Jakub Matusiak, also known as Jacob, was killed when a Volkswagen Passat he was travelling in hit a marked police car while going the wrong way down a dual carriageway.
Normanby Road outside the church was blocked by the council, but there was no visible police presence outside the church. Earlier, Cleveland Police said potential traffic disruption and delays were expected from 3pm to 5pm, affecting South Bank, Normanby Road through Teesville, Ormesby and Marton, and Acklam Road. Superintendent John Wrintmore said there would “be a proportionate visible police presence in the affected areas to ensure public safety, in line with our plans for any significant gathering”.
The cortege for Jacob Matusiak enroute to St John’s Church, Middlesbrough. (Image: PA)
Four schools shut their doors at lunchtime amid concerns about “congestion and transport disruption”. Headteachers warned parents that large crowds were expected to gather in South Bank for the funeral.
Superintendent John Wrintmore said: “There will be a proportionate visible police presence in the affected areas to ensure public safety, in line with our plans for any significant gathering.
“Should anyone have any concerns, please speak with officers in the area.”
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The crash killed Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38. The five young men in the Passat – Mr Matusiak, 23; Cole Worthy, 17; Theo Rae, 17; Makai Saddington, 18; and Michael Cahill, 23 – were also pronounced dead at the scene.
After the deaths of the young men and the two police officers, the police received several reports of unrest.
Jakub Matusiak was one of the five young men who died in the A66 crash. (Image: PA)
On the morning of the collision, Cleveland Police received several reports of two vehicles being driven dangerously.
At a later stage, the force said nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61, were arrested by officers investigating the events leading up to the crash.
Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox, responsible for the strategic leadership of the investigation, previously said: “This has been a fast-moving and complex investigation, with significant links to serious and organised criminal activity.
“The events of that tragic night will have a lasting and profound impact on the Cleveland area and the communities we seek to protect. We have a duty to respond to, and thoroughly investigate, the serious criminal activity that resulted in this fatal incident, and to bring all those responsible to justice.”
SOURCE: DAILY EXPRESS
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2245641/a66-crash-victim-funeral-jakub-matusiak
