Police officer dies after her car is hit by another vehicle while attending crash

A police officer died after her car was hit by another vehicle as she responded to reports of a crash.

Jess Turnbull, 19, was injured during a collision on Monday while responding to another accident between two vehicles along a southbound carriageway in Cramlington, Northumberland.

Northumbria Police said Ms Turnbull was a "dedicated and committed" employee who had only joined the force last September when she became a front line response officer.

The 19-year-old was deployed to the scene following reports of a crash which involved a Land Rover Freelander and Ford Explorer on the A189 Spine Road just after 11pm on Monday.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

After a black Mercedes struck the young officer, Ms Turnbull was transported to hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries two days later.

No serious injuries were reported in relation to the initial crash.

Since, the police confirmed a 73-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released on bail.

In a tribute to the deceased, Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said Ms Turnbull "had so much still to look forward to in her career and her life".

She added: "She was a dedicated and committed officer who always sought to do her best to keep her communities safe.

"Every single day, police officers up and down the country face danger to protect the public.

"Thankfully, most go home – tragically on this occasion Jess did not.

"I’m grateful to all those who wear the uniform with pride to keep us all safe. Jess made the ultimate sacrifice and that will never be forgotten."

LATEST FROM THE NORTH EAST:

• Beloved dog saved after being swept three miles from English coast on inflatable kayak
• Student, 20, died in agony after hospital staff 'ignored her so they could watch Women's World Cup'
• Safety fears as woke church welcomes biological men into women's toilets

The force has requested that those looking to pay their respects leave their tribute at Northumbria Police's Wallsend headquarters rather than the scene of the crash.

Speaking outside the HQ, Ms Turnbull's constable continued: "Our thoughts very much continue to be with her family, friends, and all those that have been impacted by this devastating loss.

"We are mourning the passing of not only a colleague and a friend, but also our own family member."

She said: “This is an extremely tragic incident where Jess lost her life in the line of duty while serving and protecting our communities.

Northumbria Police Federation chairman Nick Munnelly paid tribute to the teenager, saying: "Despite being at the very start of her policing career, Jess had already made a lasting impression on colleagues through her dedication, professionalism and readiness to help people.

"I know this news will be felt by so many who knew and worked with Jess. At this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts remain firmly with Jess’s family, friends and colleagues."

Officers have also requested for witnesses or those with dashcam footage to come forward to assist the ongoing investigation into the matter.

Ms Turnbull's family has asked for privacy in the wake of the tragedy.

It was understood Ms Turnbull was the first Northumbria Police officer to be killed on duty for more than two decades.

Back in 2006, Joseph Carroll was fatally injured in a crash caused by a prisoner he was transporting, who pulled the handbrake on his car.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter