Officer dies in Northumberland after responding to accident
Northumbria Police mourns the loss of 19-year-old PC Jess Turnbull
Last updated 5 hours ago
PC Jess Turnbull has died following a collision in Northumberland while attending to an emergency.
The incident took place around 11:10 pm on the A189 Spine Road in Cramlington.
PC Turnbull, 19, was struck by a vehicle unrelated to the initial incident.
She was transported to the hospital on Wednesday but sadly passed away surrounded by her loved ones.
Having joined the Northumbria Police Force last September, Jess was part of the response policing team.
Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine expressed her condolences: “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.”
Jess’s family has requested privacy at this time.
A 73-year-old man involved was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving.
He was hospitalised but has since been released and subsequently granted bail.
Northumbria Police is appealing for witnesses, especially those with dashcam footage, to contact them.
Anyone wishing to leave flowers can do so at Northumbria Police’s Middle Engine Lane Headquarters at Wallsend.
Northumbria Police Federation chairman Nick Munnelly paid tribute, saying: “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.”
The branch chairman also praised the emergency services who worked at the scene.
He said: “Their compassion, professionalism and support for one another reflect the very best of policing during the most challenging of circumstances.
“I’d especially like to recognise our colleagues who demonstrated fortitude in those immediate and distressing moments, as well as the investigation teams and those supporting Jess’s family and our colleagues.
“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.”
It was understood 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.
For those with information, contact can be made via social media or live chat on the Force’s website, quoting reference number MIPP TILE.