Teenage Police Officer Dies After Collision While Responding to Another Crash
A 19-year-old police officer has died in hospital after being struck by a car while responding to another collision, according to her chief constable. Pc Jess Turnbull, who joined Northumbria Police in September, was called to a collision on the A189 near Cramlington, Northumberland, at around 11:10 pm on Monday.
While she was outside her marked police vehicle at the scene, Pc Turnbull was hit by a black Mercedes CLC that was not involved in the original incident, police said. Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine confirmed that Pc Turnbull died in hospital on Wednesday, surrounded by her loved ones. She served on the response policing team in Northumberland.
Ms Jardine paid tribute to the young officer at the force’s headquarters in North Tyneside, where the Union flag was at half-mast. She said: “This is an extremely tragic incident where Jess lost her life in the line of duty while serving and protecting our communities. Our thoughts very much continue to be with her family, friends, and all those who have been impacted by this devastating loss.”
“Policing is a family, and we are mourning the passing of not only a colleague and a friend but also our own family member. Jess was relatively new in service with so much still to look forward to in her career and life. 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. Jess made the ultimate sacrifice, and that will never be forgotten.”
Northumbria Police said a 73-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was taken to hospital but has since been released. He was re-arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed. Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
For safety reasons, the public has been urged not to leave floral tributes at the crash scene. Those wishing to pay tribute with flowers are asked to do so at the force headquarters in Middle Engine Lane, Wallsend. The officer’s family has requested privacy.
Pc Turnbull was responding to a collision involving two cars, with the occupants of one vehicle fleeing the scene. She is believed to be the first Northumbria Police officer killed on duty since 2006, when Pc Joseph Carroll died in a collision caused by a prisoner he was transporting pulling the handbrake.
