Pc Jess Turnbull, a 19-year-old police officer who died after being hit by a car while on duty, was given full police honours as hundreds gathered for her funeral on Friday. Her coffin was escorted to Newcastle Cathedral by horses, pipers, and motorcycle outriders, passing an honour guard of officers with flags from forces across the UK.
Funeral Procession and Honours
Scores of uniformed police lined the square outside the cathedral as the cortege approached along city centre streets specially closed for the funeral. The parade was led by seven pipers and a lone drummer, followed by four mounted officers. Pc Turnbull's coffin, draped in a union flag, was carried into the church by more uniformed officers as the pipers played Amazing Grace in blazing sunshine. Her police hat was placed on top of the coffin as it was carried through the main door, past dignitaries including Northumbria Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine, who saluted.
Circumstances of the Incident
Pc Turnbull had only joined the force in September. On June 8, she and a colleague were sent to a two-vehicle collision on the A189 near Cramlington at 11:11 pm. Coroner Andrew Hetherington stated that Pc Turnbull got out of the marked police vehicle and was implementing a road closure at around 11:34 pm. She was standing in the carriageway near the front of her vehicle when another motorist collided with the parked police car, resulting in Jess being hit. Police and paramedics treated her at the scene, and she was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, but she died on June 10.
Investigation and Community Response
Northumbria Police reported that a 73-year-old Mercedes driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed. Pc Turnbull's parents followed her coffin into the cathedral, followed by many more family members and dozens of officers, reflecting the deep loss felt by the community and the police force.
