Manchester United has announced plans to honor a lifelong supporter and police officer who tragically lost his life in a traffic collision earlier this month. The family of the late officer will be special guests at Old Trafford for the team's upcoming Premier League fixture against Ipswich Town.

The tribute surrounds the memory of PC Matthew Blades, who died alongside his colleague PC Tom Clough in an early morning collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough on August 22. The tragic incident involved a head-on impact between their patrol vehicle and an oncoming car traveling in the wrong direction. All five occupants of the second vehicle also perished in the crash.

Ahead of Sunday afternoon's match, the officer's two sons will accompany the Manchester United squad onto the pitch as official mascots. PC Blades' widow will also be in attendance to witness the tribute. The club dedicated a feature article in the official matchday programme to remember the devoted supporter, whom officials described as a passionate fan of the club and a dedicated public servant.

In an official statement published in the programme, club representatives expressed profound sorrow upon hearing the news of the tragedy. They highlighted his commitment to his family, his profession, and his lifelong allegiance to the Manchester team.

The wider community has also rallied to remember the fallen officers over the past week. A solemn minute of applause was held prior to Middlesbrough's Championship fixture against West Bromwich Albion at the Riverside Stadium, where images of both men appeared on the stadium screens. Additional memorial gatherings took place at local football matches, reflecting PC Blades' involvement as a youth coach for several regional clubs.

Meanwhile, the ongoing police investigation into the fatal collision has led to numerous arrests. Authorities confirmed that a total of twenty-four individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the incident, following a series of recent arrests earlier in the week.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.