Tribute to PC Jess Turnbull who died in line of duty

PC Jess Turnbull was responding to a crash on the A189 near Cramlington around 11.10pm on Monday, June 8, when she was struck by a black Mercedes CLC while outside her marked police vehicle. The car was unconnected to the original incident. She was taken to hospital but died on Wednesday (June 10) surrounded by her loved ones.

Today, her parents, Janice and Andy Turnbull, released an emotional tribute remembering their only child, who had fulfilled a lifelong ambition by joining Northumbria Police in September and following in her father's footsteps. The parents of PC Jess Turnbull who died in the line of duty have paid tribute to their 'remarkable' daughter who was 'our greatest pride and our greatest joy'. (Image: Northumbria Police) They said: "As a family, we are utterly devastated by the loss of our beautiful daughter, Jess, who tragically died following a road traffic collision at just 19 years old.

"Jess was our only child, and from the moment she came into our lives she brought happiness, laughter, and love into every day. The hole she leaves in our lives is impossible to put into words. "Jess and her mum, Janice, shared a bond that was truly special.

"They were not only mother and daughter but best friends. They loved spending time together, whether that was shopping, chatting for hours or simply enjoying each other's company. They shared countless memories that Janice will treasure forever.

"From a young age, Jess was full of energy, determination, and kindness. She loved sport and spent much of her childhood playing football and competing as a swimmer. Her passion for helping others was evident even then and she later volunteered her time coaching young children in football, encouraging them to believe in themselves and enjoy the game she loved so much.

"Jess recently found happiness with her boyfriend Dan. They had been together for a year and were inseparable. Whether they were out making memories or simply spending time together, they did everything side by side.

Jess adored Dan, and he brought so much joy to her life." Northumbria Police of PC Jess Turnbull, who died in hospital after she was hit by a car while responding to another collision. (Image: Northumbria Police/PA Wire) They added: "One of Jess' proudest achievements was becoming a police officer.

She absolutely loved serving her community and was incredibly proud to wear the uniform. Following in the footsteps of her dad, Andy, was something she had always dreamed of doing, and seeing her achieve that ambition filled us both with immense pride. Policing was not just a job to Jess, it was a calling.

She cared deeply about helping people and making a difference, and she approached every day with enthusiasm, compassion and professionalism. "Jess touched the lives of so many people during her short life. She was caring, funny, determined, and fiercely loyal to those she loved.

She had an infectious smile and a way of making everyone feel valued and welcome. "While our hearts are broken, we are incredibly proud of the remarkable young woman Jess became. We will miss her every single day, but we will carry her love, her spirit, and our memories of her with us forever.

"We would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming kindness, support, and condolences we have received during this unimaginably difficult time. Knowing how much Jess was loved and respected has brought us comfort. "Jess was, and always will be, our greatest pride and our greatest joy."

A 73-year-old man previously arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving was later re-arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed. Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE) Northumbria Police Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said the force was mourning the loss of a dedicated young officer who died while protecting the public.

She said: ""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. "Jess made the ultimate sacrifice and that will never be forgotten."

Police at the scene on the A189 Spine Road in Cramlington, Northumberland, where teenage Northumbria Police officer PC Jess Turnbull, 19, died on Monday night (June 8) after she was struck by a black Mercedes while responding to an unrelated (Image: NORTH NEWS & PICTURES LTD) Police at the scene on the A189 Spine Road in Cramlington, Northumberland, where teenage Northumbria Police officer PC Jess Turnbull, 19, died on Monday night (June 8) after she was struck by a black Mercedes while responding to an unrelated (Image: NORTH NEWS & PICTURES LTD) Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

The public has been asked not to leave floral tributes at the crash scene for safety reasons. Instead, anyone wishing to pay their respects has been asked to leave flowers at Northumbria Police headquarters in Middle Engine Lane, Wallsend. PC Turnbull had been responding to a collision involving two cars where the occupants of one vehicle fled the scene.

It is understood she is the first Northumbria Police officer to be killed on duty since 2006.