Schools in Middlesbrough to close early as funeral held for man killed in A66 police crash

• Four schools in the South Bank area of Middlesbrough will close early on Friday due to anticipated transport disruption during a local funeral .
• The service is for 23-year-old Jakub Matusiak, one of seven people killed in an A66 crash on 22 August involving a police-pursued Volkswagen and an armed response vehicle.
• Large crowds, motorbikes, and quad bikes are expected to gather, prompting headteachers and the local council to close schools at midday for pupil safety.
• Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott condemned the decision as wrong and urged the Government to intervene so children do not miss out on their education.
• The closures follow a vigil last week for another victim of the crash, which drew criticism after cars were set on fire in County Durham.