POLICE CONSTABLE JESS TURNBULL DIES AFTER BEING STRUCK BY CAR

Police constable Jess Turnbull died in hospital on Wednesday, two days after being struck by a car whilst responding to a crash in Cramlington, Northumberland. The 19-year-old was injured on Monday night when a black Mercedes collided with a marked police car at the scene of a separate incident involving a Land Rover Freelander and Ford Explorer on the A189 Spine Road. Turnbull had been dispatched to the location at 23:10 BST. A 73-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released on bail.

Turnbull joined Northumbria Police in September of the previous year. Peter Douthwaite, headteacher at George Stephenson Secondary school, where Turnbull had previously studied, described her as a "much-loved former student" who was "always cheerful, positive and kind". Douthwaite stated that Turnbull had wanted to make a difference from a young age and chose a career dedicated to helping and protecting others. Northumbria Police described Turnbull as a "dedicated and committed" officer. The school placed flowers outside the Northumbria Police station where she worked.

Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth stated that Turnbull's death highlighted the risks police officers face daily. Dungworth extended condolences to Turnbull's family, friends and colleagues. Douthwaite said Turnbull would be remembered with "enormous fondness" by those who knew her. The school extended its deepest condolences to all affected by her death.