North East police officer, 19, dies after being hit by car while attending late-night crash

PC Jess Turnbull has died in hospital after she was seriously injured while attending to a crash in Northumberland

12:40, 11 Jun 2026Updated 12:54, 11 Jun 2026

PC Jess Turnbull(Image: Northumbria Police)

A 19-year-old police officer who was seriously injured while attending a North East crash has died. PC Jess Turnbull tragically died on Wednesday, June 10, after being rushed to hospital on Monday, June 8.

Northumbria Police's Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine has today paid tribute to PC Turnbull saying she made the "ultimate sacrifice" to keep our communities safe.

The 19-year-old, who became a police officer last September, was allegedly struck by a black Mercedes CLC while responding to a collision on the A189 in Cramlington, Northumberland, on Monday night. The Mercedes was not involved in the original crash.

Chief Cons Jardine today said the force was in mourning as she paid tribute to Jess, who worked as a response officer in Northumberland, reports Chronicle Live[1].

"It is with deep sadness that we share the tragic news that police officer Jess Turnbull has died in the line of duty", she said. "This is an extremely tragic incident where Jess lost her life while serving and protecting our communities."

Northumbria Police's Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine(Image: ChronicleLive)

"Jess was responding to a collision in Cramlington.

While at the scene she was struck by a car that was unconnected with the original incident. She was taken to hospital where yesterday, surrounded by her loved ones she tragically died.

"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'm grateful to all those who wear the uniform with pride to keep us all safe. Jess made the ultimate sacrifice and will never be forgotten."

The scene of the collision on the A189 spine road in Cramlington(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

The flag at Northumbria Police's headquarters in Wallsend was lowered to half mast as a mark of respect.

A 73-year-old man, who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, was taken to hospital and was later discharged.

He has since been re-arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released on bail.

PC Turnbull had been responding to reports of a collision between a Land Rover Freelander and a Ford Explorer at around 11.10pm on Monday when she was allegedly struck.

Officers said she was standing outside a marked police vehicle at the time.

The road remained closed for more than 16 hours in the aftermath of the incident.

Northumbria Police has urged members of the public wishing to pay their respects to Jess to refrain from visiting the scene on safety grounds.

Floral tributes can be placed at the flagpole situated outside the force's headquarters on Middle Engine Lane.

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses and urge anyone with information to get in touch with Northumbria Police, quoting reference number: NP-20260608-1198.

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References

1. ^ Chronicle Live (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
2. ^ Here's more information (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
3. ^ clicking here (www.google.com)
4. ^ For the latest Teesside news direct to your inbox every day, sign up to our free newsletter (www.gazettelive.co.uk)