Tributes have been paid to a police officer who died in the line of duty, aged 19. PC Jess Turnbull started her career with Northumbria Police in September 2025, working on the Response Policing Team (RPT) in Northumberland.
On Monday evening she was responding to a collision on the A189 Spine Road in Cramlington when she was struck by a black Mercedes CLC, which was unconnected to the original incident. Jess was taken to hospital, where she sadly died yesterday (Wednesday), surrounded by her loved ones.
Within minutes of Northumbria Police confirming the death of Jess, tributes began pouring in for the officer, who had "so much still to look forward to in her career and life" but had "already made a lasting impression on colleagues".
Chief Constable's Tribute
Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine 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."
Federation Chair's Comments
Northumbria Police Federation Chair, Nick Munnelly, said: "Despite being at the very start of her policing career, Jess had already made a lasting impression on colleagues through her dedication, professionalism, and readiness to help people. I know this news will be felt by so many who knew and worked with Jess.
"At this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts remain firmly with Jess’s family, friends, and colleagues. We continue to support them in every way possible as they come to terms with this devastating tragedy.
"Jess’s service, however brief, will not be forgotten, and she remains in the thoughts of all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her."
Commissioner and Mayor React
Northumbria Police & Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: "No words can ease the pain they will be experiencing at this time, but my thoughts are with PC Jess Turnbull’s family, friends and colleagues as they come to terms with this unimaginable loss. Jessica had chosen a life of service to others, and her loss is a reminder of the risks police officers face every single day while doing their best to keep our communities safe.
"She will be remembered in so many ways, and with gratitude for committing herself to a career of putting others first. Heartfelt condolences go to everyone who knew and loved Jess, from myself and the team here at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner."
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness added: "My thoughts and heartfelt condolences go to Jess's family, and the wider Northumbria Police family at this incredibly sad and difficult time. Putting on the uniform each day takes pride and courage, and at such a young age, Jess still had her whole service and life ahead of her.
"Jess was protecting our communities, putting others before herself, and she will be remembered for doing her duty. This will have a huge impact on her colleagues, friends and family, and other serving officers across the region, and my thoughts go out to you all."
Public Tributes
ChronicleLive readers have also been paying tribute to Jess online. Jo Gordon wrote: "The family and friends and colleagues of PC Jess Turnbull are very much in my thoughts. I was shocked reading this about a young person who had only just embarked on her career.
"I am forever thankful to the work the police do. Joining the force now must take guts and huge resilience. She must have had such drive and determination to make our country a safer and better place to live.
"Such a beautiful photograph of a brave and courageous young lady who has sadly been taken far too soon. She must have had a heart of gold."
Carol Moore added: "Such terrible news. A life of service just beginning. Tragic. My thoughts are with the officer's family. Thank you for your service to our community."
Christine Mcmann said: "So sad she looked a beautiful young lady just starting out in life, condolences to all her family and friends."
Harry Harrison wrote: "Thank you for your service and my thoughts are with you and your loved ones."
