Officer Dies from Injuries Sustained in Crash
A 19-year-old police officer who was injured in a collision while responding to a separate crash has died from her injuries.
Northumbria Police identified the officer as Jess Turnbull, describing her as a "dedicated and committed" member of the force who had joined in September.
Turnbull had been dispatched to attend a crash involving a Land Rover Freelander and a Ford Explorer on the A189 Spine Road in Cramlington at 23:10 BST on Monday. However, she was injured when a black Mercedes CLC collided with a marked police car at the scene. She passed away in hospital on Wednesday.
Details of the Incident and Arrest
A 73-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has since been released on bail.
Tributes to the Officer
Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine paid tribute to Turnbull, stating:
"She had so much still to look forward to in her career and her life.
She was a dedicated and committed officer who always sought to do her best to keep her communities safe."
Sequence of Events at the Crash Scene
The initial collision involved the Ford Explorer leaving the road, while the occupants of the Land Rover fled the scene on foot before police arrived. No serious injuries were reported from this first crash.
Subsequently, the black Mercedes CLC struck a marked police vehicle, resulting in injuries to Officer Turnbull. The driver of the Mercedes was initially arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Official Statement Following Officer Turnbull's Death
Confirming her death, Chief Constable Jardine said:
"Our thoughts very much continue to be with her family, friends, and all those that have been impacted by this devastating loss.
We are mourning the passing of not only a colleague and a friend, but also our own family member."
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