Jess Turnbull death: Police officer, 19, dies after being struck by vehicle while responding to car crash
A 19-year-old Northumbria Police officer died in hospital after being struck by a car while responding to another collision, the chief constable has 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 outside the marked police vehicle at the scene, PC Turnbull was struck by a black Mercedes CLC, unrelated to the original incident.
Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine confirmed PC Turnbull died surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday.
Ms Jardine paid tribute to the young police officer, who was part of the Northumberland response policing team, at the force’s headquarters in North Tyneside, where the Union flag was flown at half-mast.
He said: “This is an extremely tragic incident where Jess lost his life in the line of duty while serving and protecting our communities.
“Our thoughts continue to be with his family, friends and everyone affected by this devastating loss.
“We will continue to support their loved ones as much as we can.
“Policing is a family and we mourn 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 to the ministry as she had a lot to look forward to in her career and life.
“He was a dedicated and committed officer who always tried to do his best to keep his communities safe.
“Every day, police officers across the country face danger to protect the public.
“Fortunately most of them go home; tragically in this case Jess did not.
“I am grateful to everyone who proudly wears the uniform to keep us all safe.
“Jess made the ultimate sacrifice and it 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 was released.
He was rearrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was released on bail.
Police have appealed for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
People were urged not to leave flower gifts for the police officer at the scene of the accident for safety reasons.
Members of the public wishing to pay tribute with flowers were asked to do so at the force’s headquarters in Middle Engine Lane, Wallsend.
The officer’s family asked for privacy.
PC Turnbull was responding to a collision involving two cars when the occupants of one of the vehicles were fleeing the scene.
PC Turnbull is understood to be the first Northumbria Police officer to be killed in the line of duty since 2006, when PC Joseph Carroll was fatally injured in a collision when a prisoner he was transporting pulled the handbrake on his car.
Nick Munnelly, chairman of the Northumbria Police Federation, paid tribute, saying: “Although she was at the very beginning of her policing career, Jess had already made a lasting impression on her colleagues with her dedication, professionalism and readiness to help people.
“I know this news will be felt by many who knew and worked with Jess.
“Our thoughts continue to be with Jess’s family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.
“We continue to support them in every way possible to confront this devastating tragedy.”
The branch chief also praised the emergency services working at the scene.
He said: “Their compassion, professionalism and support for each other reflects policing at its best under the most challenging circumstances.
“I would like to pay particular tribute to our colleagues who have demonstrated fortitude in these urgent and troubling moments, as well as those who have supported the investigation teams and Jess’s family, as well as our colleagues.
“Jess’ service, however brief, will not be forgotten and she will remain in the thoughts of all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.”
