A 19-year-old Northumbria Police officer has died in hospital after being struck by a car while responding to another collision, her chief constable confirmed.
PC Jess Turnbull, who joined the force in September, was called to an incident on the A189 near Cramlington, Northumberland, at around 11.10pm on Monday.
While out of her marked police vehicle at the scene, PC Turnbull was hit by a black Mercedes CLC, unconnected to the original incident.
Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine confirmed Pc Turnbull died on Wednesday, surrounded by loved ones.
Ms Jardine paid tribute to the young officer, part of the Northumberland response policing team, at the force’s headquarters in North Tyneside, where the Union flag was at half mast.
She 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.”
Northumbria Police said a 73-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He was taken to hospital but has been released.
He was re-arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed.
Police have appealed for witnesses or people with dashcam footage to come forward.
People have been urged not to leave floral tributes to the officer at the scene of the crash for safety reasons.
Members of the public who wish to pay tribute with flowers have been asked to do so at the force headquarters in Middle Engine Lane, Wallsend.
The officer’s family has asked for privacy.
PC Turnbull was responding to a collision involving two cars, with the occupants of one of the vehicles fleeing the scene.
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.
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.”
