See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy KATHERINE LAWTON, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 11:47 BST, 30 June 2026 | Updated: 12:48 BST, 30 June 2026
A 19-year-old police officer was trying to close a road following a crash when she was hit and killed by a car, an inquest has heard. Pc Jess Turnbull, of Northumbria Police, suffered 'catastrophic injuries' and died two days later in hospital, the opening of the inquest in Morpeth, Northumberland, was told today. The young officer's parents, Janice and Andy – a former police officer – attended the brief hearing held by Coroner Andrew Hetherington.The coroner stated Pc Turnbull and a colleague were sent to an earlier two-vehicle collision between a silver Land Rover Freelander and a white Ford Explorer on the A189, near Cramlington, at 11.11pm on Monday, June 8.Mr 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, where she died on Wednesday, June 10.Mr Hetherington said a post-mortem examination has been carried out, while investigations are ongoing into what happened. Police officer Jess Turnbull, 19, (pictured) died after she was hit by a car while on duty Pc Turnbull suffered 'catastrophic injuries' after the incident and died later in hospital He adjourned the full inquest hearing to January 11 but said that may change.Northumbria Police previously said a 73-year-old Mercedes CLC driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed.Pc Turnbull joined the force in September. In a tribute released after her death, her parents said: 'One of Jess's 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.'The young officer had been responding to reports of a silver Land Rover Freelander colliding with a white Ford Explorer.The Ford left the road and the occupants of the Land Rover fled the area on foot before police arrived, with no injuries reported.At the time Assistant Chief Constable Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, said: 'Our thoughts are very much with the officer, their loved ones and all those impacted by what has happened.'Officers from the Force's Serious Collision Investigation Unit have since launched an investigation.'They say they are especially keen to hear from any witnesses who were travelling in the area at the time, and those who may have dashcam footage.'
