Police officer killed after being hit by a car while on duty receives guard of honour at her funeral as hundreds of mourners pay tribute

Published: 00:26, 11 July 2026 | Updated: 00:28, 11 July 2026 A 19-year-old police officer who died after she was hit by a car while on duty was given a full guard of honour at her funeral. Pc Jess Turnball, of Northumbria Police, suffered 'catastrophic injuries' from the collision and died two days later in hospital.  The incident occurred while she was responding to a two-car crash in Cramlington, Northumberland, between a silver Land Rover Freelander and a white Ford Explorer on the A189 on June 8. The young officer had stepped out of the marked police vehicle, an inquiry heard last month, and was putting up 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', coroner Andrew Hetherington said. Police and paramedics treated Pc Turnball at the scene and she was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, where she died on June 10. The young officer's coffin was escorted to Newcastle Cathedral on Friday 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 cortege made its way through the city centre streets, which had been closed for the funeral. 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  The parade was led by seven pipers and a lone drummer followed by four officers riding horses.  Pc Turnball's coffin, which was draped in a union flag, was carried in to the church by uniformed officers, while pipers played Amazing Grace.  The young 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 Turnball's parents, Janice and Andy - a former police officer - followed the coffin into the church, followed by many more family members and dozens of officers. Northumbria Police said a 73-year-old Mercedes driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed. Last month, Coroner Hetherington adjourned the full inquest hearing in Morpeth, Northumberland, to January 11 but said that may change.  Pc Turnbull had only 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. The young officer's coffin was escorted to Newcastle Cathedral on Friday 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 cortege made its way through the city centre streets, which had been closed for the funeral Pc Turnball's coffin, which was draped in a union flag, was carried in to the church by uniformed officers, while pipers played Amazing Grace '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.'