Police issue statement ahead of funeral for man killed in wrong-way A66 crash

Police issue statement ahead of funeral for man killed in wrong-way A66 crash Crowds, motorbikes and quad bikes are expected to congregate for the funeral of Jakub Matusiak, who died in the A66 crash, as schools and services, such as GPs, have confirmed they will close early A police superintendent has said that a "proportionate visible police presence" will be deployed for the funeral of a man who died in the A66 crash. A number of schools and services, such as GPs, have confirmed they will be closing early ahead of the funeral of Jakub Matusiak today. Crowds, motorbikes and quad bikes are expected to congregate for the funeral of Mr Matusiak at St John the Evangelist Church on Normanby Road at 3pm, Teesside Live reports. The 23-year-old was one of five killed when the Volkswagen Passat, they were travelling in, hit a marked police car while going the wrong way down the dual carriageway. Two police officers, PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades, who were travelling in the armed response vehicle, also lost their lives. Superintendent John Wrintmore said: “Some potential traffic disruption and delays are expected from 3pm through to around 5pm on Friday, September 4, due to a funeral taking place in the area. This will affect areas of South Bank, Normanby Road through Teesville, Ormesby and Marton, and Acklam Road. “We are aware of some school closures in the area and have liaised with partners in the local authorities regarding the expected disruption today. Any decisions made by schools or other services to close has been a decision made by those organisations in isolation, and has not been a police recommendation. “We are working closely with highways departments from the local authorities, who are leading on the traffic management for this event, in order to minimise disruption. "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.” Redcar and Cleveland Council has provided a list of the schools closing ahead of the service. Normanby Medical Centre confirmed on Thursday, September 3, that the Normanby and Eston branch, the(Low Grange Health Village, will close from 1pm. A spokesperson said: "Due to the expected congestion and transport disruption in the immediate area from large numbers attending a funeral. All services will be move to Manor House site. This decision has been reached after careful consideration and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients and staff. "We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for understanding."