EVEN ON THE DAY THEY SAID FAREWELL TO THEIR SON, POLICE ARRIVED — AND THE FUNERAL DESCENDED INTO CHAOS

The family of 17-year-old Cole Worthy was already facing unimaginable grief. Then, during his funeral service, a disturbance brought police rushing to the crematorium — and Cole’s father was arrested.

For Cole Worthy’s family, September 9 was supposed to be a day of remembrance.

Instead, the funeral of the 17-year-old became the latest shocking chapter surrounding the deadly A66 crash that claimed seven lives.

Cole was one of five young men who died when a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way on the A66 collided head-on with a marked police vehicle in the early hours of August 22.

Two armed response officers, PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were also killed.

But weeks later, the tragedy was still producing scenes of tension across Middlesbrough.

POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE FUNERAL

Cole’s funeral was held at Teesside Crematorium in Middlesbrough on Wednesday, September 9.

At around 12:30 p.m., Cleveland Police were called after reports of a disturbance inside the service.

Officers quickly arrived at the crematorium, where mourners had gathered to say their final goodbyes to the teenager.

A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and taken into police custody.

The funeral was subsequently able to continue, while officers remained in the area to provide reassurance.

The man was later identified as Gye Worthy — Cole’s father.

COLE’S FATHER NOW FACES CHARGES

By September 11, Cleveland Police confirmed that Gye Worthy had been charged with common assault, a public order offence and obstructing police.

He is due to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on October 2.

Reports have since described the disturbance as involving an alleged confrontation during the funeral.

However, the circumstances remain matters for the court, and the charges are allegations that have not been proven.

A FUNERAL SURROUNDED BY TENSION

The extraordinary scenes came against the backdrop of heightened police activity in Middlesbrough following the A66 crash.

Authorities had brought in around 200 additional specialist officers from other forces amid concerns about further disorder and organised crime in the area.

Cole’s funeral itself was under close observation, with police and security personnel present around the crematorium. The Irish Times reported seeing officers monitoring the service from nearby vehicles while a drone was also operating above the area.

The heightened security reflected fears that tensions surrounding the deaths could spill over into further unrest.

SEVEN LIVES LOST IN ONE CRASH

The August 22 crash killed all five people travelling in the Passat — Cole Worthy, 17; Theo Rae, 17; Makai Saddington, 18; Michael Cahill, 23; and Jakub Matusiak, 23.

PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough also died when the vehicles collided.

The tragedy has since triggered a major police operation across the region, with a number of arrests made as authorities attempt to tackle wider disorder and suspected organised-crime activity.

The funerals of those who died have also brought intense public attention.

Earlier services for some of the victims were accompanied by concerns over crowds, vehicles and possible disorder, while police maintained a significant presence around later ceremonies.

A DAY THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT COLE

For Cole’s loved ones, however, the day was ultimately supposed to be about remembering a 17-year-old son, friend and family member.

Instead, police were called before the service was over.

What should have been a final goodbye was interrupted by a disturbance, an arrest and, days later, criminal charges against Cole’s own father.

And now, as the families of all seven victims continue to grieve, the A66 tragedy remains far from over — with funerals, investigations and court proceedings continuing to unfold across Middlesbrough.