Cramlington crash police officer, 19, dies in hospital

A tragic incident has claimed the life of a 19-year-old police officer who was injured in a collision while attending to a separate traffic accident. Jess Turnbull, a recently recruited member of Northumbria Police, succumbed to her injuries in hospital on Wednesday after the crash occurred late Monday night.

Turnbull had joined the force just last September and was described by Northumbria Police as a “dedicated and committed” officer. She was dispatched to the scene of a crash on the A189 Spine Road in Cramlington involving a Land Rover Freelander and a Ford Explorer. Although the initial crash caused no serious injuries, the situation worsened when a black Mercedes collided with a marked police vehicle that Turnbull was in. This impact caused the severe injuries that ultimately led to her death.

In connection with the collision, a 73-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been released on bail pending further investigation. The occupants of the Land Rover had fled the scene on foot before police arrived, and the Ford vehicle had left the road.

Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine expressed profound sorrow following the loss, stating: “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. Jess made the ultimate sacrifice and that will never be forgotten.” The union jack flying at half mast outside Northumbria Police headquarters stands as a somber tribute to Officer Turnbull. The force has also requested that those wishing to pay their respects do so at the Wallsend headquarters rather than at the crash site

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