Kent police officer dies in line of duty ‘while trying to save others in danger’

An officer died in the line of duty “trying to save the lives of others”, Kent Police said.

Police said PC Bradley Corke, 27, died on Saturday after being seriously injured in a crash while responding to an emergency on Thursday.

He and a colleague who was fighting for his life in hospital in critical condition were responding to a call when their police car collided. One of the citizens in the second vehicle is being treated for serious injuries.

Kent Police said in a statement: “Bradley selflessly gave up his life trying to save the lives of others in danger. His bravery, dedication and passion for helping others will not be forgotten.”

The force said it was “supporting his family and colleagues who are devastated”.

Officers were driving a marked Ford Focus police car when it collided with a VW Scirocco on the westbound A20 at Farningham, near the junction with Button Street, at around 7.45pm.

The Kent Police Federation said officers were on their way to an emergency incident in nearby Swanley.

Chairman Neil Mennie added: “We are all heartbroken to learn this news.

“Bradley was a popular colleague who will be greatly missed and we will do all we can to support his family and close colleagues at this time.

“Policing is a family and words cannot express the pain we all feel and how this news will affect us in the days, weeks and months to come.

“This harrowing incident is a horrific example of the risks police officers face and how they can unfortunately make the ultimate sacrifice as they strive to keep the public safe.”

PC Corke, who joined the force in May 2022, was based in Tonbridge and spent his police career serving in West Kent towns.

Detectives are asking any witnesses who saw the crash to come forward. Witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538 by quoting EW/AL/025/26.

This is breaking news, more to come…