A 19-year-old police officer has tragically died in hospital after being struck by a car while responding to another collision, according to her chief constable.
The Incident
PC Jess Turnbull, who had only joined Northumbria Police in September, was called to an accident on the A189 near Cramlington, Northumberland, at approximately 11.10pm 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.
Death and Tributes
Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine announced that PC Turnbull passed away in hospital on Wednesday, surrounded by her loved ones. She served in 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 flying 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."
"We will continue to support her loved ones in any way we can. Policing is a family and we are mourning the passing of not only a colleague and a friend but also our own family member, and we will continue to support each other during this extremely difficult time."
"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. I am 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."
Arrest and Investigation
Northumbria Police reported that a 73-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was transported to hospital but has since been discharged. He was re-arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released on bail.
Police are appealing for witnesses or individuals with dashcam footage to step forward. The public have been urged not to leave floral tributes to the officer at the crash site due to safety concerns. Those wishing to pay tribute with flowers have been asked to do so at the force headquarters in Middle Engine Lane, Wallsend. The officer's family has requested privacy.
Background
PC Turnbull was responding to a collision involving two cars, with the occupants of one of the vehicles absconding from the scene. It is understood that PC Turnbull was the first Northumbria Police officer to be killed on duty since 2006 when PC Joseph Carroll was fatally injured in a collision caused by a prisoner he was transporting pulling the handbrake on his car.
