A 19-year-old officer who died after she was hit by a car while on duty was given full police honours as hundreds gathered for her funeral.
Pc Jess Turnbull was responding to a collision in Cramlington, Northumberland, late on June 8 when she was fatally injured.
On Friday, Pc Turnbull’s coffin was escorted to Newcastle Cathedral by horses, pipers and motorcycle outriders as it passed an honour guard of officers with flags from forces across the UK.
Scores of uniformed police lined the square outside the cathedral as the cortège approached along city centre streets specially closed for the funeral.
The parade was led by seven pipers and a lone drummer followed by the four mounted officers.
Pc Turnbull’s coffin, which was draped in a union flag, was carried in to the church by more uniformed officers as the pipers played Amazing Grace in the blazing sunshine.
The officer’s police hat was placed on top of the coffin as it was carried through the main door, past dignitaries including Northumbria Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine, who saluted.
Pc Turnbull’s parents, Janice and Andy, followed the coffin into the church, followed by many more family members and dozens of officers.
Last month, a coroner outlined the circumstances of Pc Turnbull’s death, saying she and a colleague were sent to an earlier two-vehicle collision on the A189 near Cramlington at 11.11pm on Monday June 8.
Coroner Andrew Hetherington said Pc Turnbull had got out of the marked police vehicle and was implementing a road closure at around 11.34pm.
She was standing in the carriageway near the front of her vehicle when another motorist collided with the parked police car, “resulting in Jess being hit”, the coroner said.
Police and paramedics treated her at the scene and she was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, but she died on Wednesday June 10.
Northumbria Police said a 73-year-old Mercedes driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed.
Pc Turnbull had only joined the force in September, following in her father Andy’s footsteps.
Her parents said on Friday: “On behalf of our family, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us following the devastating loss of our beautiful and brave daughter Jess.
“Throughout the most difficult time of our lives, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness, compassion and support shown to us.
“The messages, tributes and acts of kindness have brought great comfort to our family.”
Mr and Mrs Turnbull said: “The support we have received from colleagues, friends and the wider policing community has meant more to us than words can fully express.
“The full ceremonial honours afforded to Jess and our family were incredibly moving and provided great comfort during an unimaginably difficult time.
“To see the respect shown, and to feel the strength and support of the police family around us, is something we will never forget.”
They also thanked the community associated with Newcastle Blue Star Football Club, adding: “Jess will always be in our hearts and thoughts.
“We miss her every day, but the memories we shared and the love she brought into our lives will stay with us forever.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported our family and helped us through this unimaginable loss.”
Ms Jardine said: “Our thoughts at this extremely difficult time very much continue to be with Jess’s family and loved-ones.
“It was a privilege to be able to support them today as we all came together to pay our tributes to Jess and celebrate her life.
“Jess made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our communities and it was an honour to be able to recognise her commitment and dedication to public service with a full ceremonial policing funeral.”
Northumbria Police said Ms Turnbull’s name has been added to the force’s memorial at its Wallsend headquarters.
It said her family are fundraising in her memory and has invited people to support the charities Care of Police Survivors or Live Life Give Life.
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