Overview
- PC Jess Turnbull, 19, was standing in the carriageway implementing a road closure after attending a two-vehicle crash on the A189 when a separate motorist struck the parked police vehicle and hit her.
- Police say the officers were first sent to the earlier collision at about 11.11pm and the road closure was being put in place at about 11.34pm on June 8.
- She was treated by officers and paramedics at the scene and taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where she died on June 10 after suffering catastrophic injuries.
- Northumbria Police arrested a 73-year-old Mercedes driver on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and later bailed him while the force's Serious Collision Investigation Unit continues its inquiries; a post-mortem has been completed.
- Coroner Andrew Hetherington opened the inquest on June 30 and adjourned the full hearing to January 11, and the case has prompted renewed attention on officer safety at roadside incidents and calls for any witnesses or dashcam footage to be shared with investigators.