Tributes are pouring in after it emerged a young police officer who was seriously injured while attending a crash has died in hospital. Northumbria Police’s Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine on Thursday paid tribute to PC Jess Turnbull, 19, who died yesterday, saying she made the “ultimate sacrifice” to keep our communities safe.
The officer was allegedly hit by a car while responding to a collision on the A189 in Cramlington, Northumberland, on Monday night. The vehicle that allegedly struck the officer was not connected to the original crash. Jess became a police officer last September and worked as a response officer in Northumberland.
Chief Constable Jardine said the force was mourning her loss, and the flag at Northumbria Police’s headquarters in Wallsend was flying at half mast.
She said: “It is with deep sadness that we share the tragic news that police officer Jess Turnbull has died in the line of duty. This is an extremely tragic incident where Jess lost her life while serving and protecting our communities.
“Jess was responding to a collision in Cramlington. While at the scene she was struck by a car that was unconnected with the original incident. She was taken to hospital where yesterday, surrounded by her loved ones she tragically died.
“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’m grateful to all those who wear the uniform with pride to keep us all safe. Jess made the ultimate sacrifice and will never be forgotten.”
A 73-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, taken to hospital, but later discharged. He has now been re-arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released on bail.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police quoting reference number: NP-20260608-1198.