Police officer, 19, dies after road collision in Northumberland

PC Jess Turnbull was responding to a collision which occurred on the A189 Spine Road in Cramlington at about 11.10pm on Monday (June 8).

While at the scene, she was outside of a marked police vehicle when she was struck by a black Mercedes CLC which was unconnected to the original incident.

Jess was taken to hospital, where on Wednesday, surrounded by her loved ones, she sadly died.

Jess, who was 19, joined the Force in September last year and worked on the Response Policing Team (RPT) in Northumberland.

Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine 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.”

Jess’s family have requested that their privacy be respected at this time.

A 73-year-old man arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving was taken to hospital and has since been released. He has subsequently been further arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed.

Officers continue to investigate the collision and they are especially keen to hear from any witnesses who were travelling in the area at the time, and those who may have dashcam footage.

Anyone with information should visit Northumbria Police's dedicated webpage: Public Portal

Officers recognise that people may want to leave tributes and for safety reasons people are asked not to do this at the scene. Anyone wishing to leave flowers can do so at Northumbria Police’s Middle Engine Lane Headquarters at Wallsend.

People can leave these at the flagpole and they will then be moved to the Force’s private memorial garden.