Hundreds of mourners, including police officers from across the UK, gathered at Newcastle Cathedral on Friday to pay their final respects to PC Jess Turnbull, a 19-year-old officer killed in a road accident while on duty. The teenager died after being struck by a car while attending the scene of a two-vehicle collision on the A189 near Cramlington, Northumberland.
Funeral Procession and Honour Guard
PC Turnbull's coffin, draped in a union flag, was escorted to the cathedral by horses, pipers, and motorcycle outriders. An honour guard of officers with flags from forces across the UK 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. As the pipers played "Amazing Grace" in the blazing sunshine, the coffin was carried into the church by uniformed officers.
The officer's police hat was placed on top of the coffin as it passed through the main door, past dignitaries including Northumbria Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine, who saluted. PC Turnbull's parents followed the coffin into the church, accompanied by many more family members and dozens of officers.
Details of the Incident
According to a coroner's inquest last month, PC Turnbull and a colleague were dispatched to a two-vehicle collision on the A189 near Cramlington at 11.11pm on Monday June 8. Coroner Andrew Hetherington stated that PC Turnbull had exited 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 her being hit. Police and paramedics treated her at the scene, and she was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where she died on Wednesday June 10.
Arrest and Investigation
Northumbria Police confirmed that a 73-year-old Mercedes driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed pending further investigation. PC Turnbull had only joined the force in September, just months before her death.
