Pc Jess Turnbull, a 19-year-old officer who died after being hit by a car while on duty, was given full police honours as hundreds gathered for her funeral at Newcastle Cathedral on Friday.
Funeral Procession and Honours
Pc Turnbull's coffin was escorted to the cathedral by horses, pipers, and motorcycle outriders. It passed an honour guard of officers with flags from forces across the UK. 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.
Family and Colleagues Pay Tribute
Pc Turnbull's parents, Janice and Andy, followed the coffin into the church, along with many more family members and dozens of officers. Her father Andy also served in the police force.
Her parents said: "On behalf of our family, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us following the devastating loss of our beautiful and brave daughter Jess. Throughout the most difficult time of our lives, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness, compassion and support shown to us. The messages, tributes and acts of kindness have brought great comfort to our family."
They added: "The support we have received from colleagues, friends and the wider policing community has meant more to us than words can fully express. The full ceremonial honours afforded to Jess and our family were incredibly moving and provided great comfort during an unimaginably difficult time. To see the respect shown, and to feel the strength and support of the police family around us, is something we will never forget."
Circumstances of Death
Last month, a coroner outlined the circumstances of Pc Turnbull's death. She and a colleague were sent to an earlier two-vehicle collision on the A189 near Cramlington at 11.11pm on Monday June 8. Coroner Andrew Hetherington said Pc Turnbull got out of the marked police vehicle and was implementing a road closure at around 11.34pm. 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, Newcastle, but died on Wednesday June 10.
Investigation and Tributes
Northumbria Police said a 73-year-old Mercedes driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed. Pc Turnbull had only joined the force in September, following in her father's footsteps.
Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said: "Our thoughts at this extremely difficult time very much continue to be with Jess's family and loved-ones. It was a privilege to be able to support them today as we all came together to pay our tributes to Jess and celebrate her life. Jess made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our communities and it was an honour to be able to recognise her commitment and dedication to public service with a full ceremonial policing funeral."
Northumbria Police said Ms Turnbull's name has been added to the force's memorial at its Wallsend headquarters. Her family are fundraising in her memory and have invited people to support the charities Care of Police Survivors or Live Life Give Life.
