999 tragedy: Pc responding to emergency call killed as his van crashes into tree

Pc Andrew Bramma, 32, of North Yorkshire Police, was responding to a 999 call reporting another crash when his patrol van hit a tree in the village of West Tanfield, near Ripon, at about 7pm on Saturday.

Pc Bramma was the only occupant of the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. He leaves a wife and two young sons.

The constable, who was originally from Yorkshire, had served as a beat officer with Greater Manchester Police since 2008 and transferred back to his home county only four months ago.

Speaking yesterday at Harrogate Police Station, where Pc Bramma was based, temporary Chief Constable Tim Madgwick said: “This is terrible and tragic news and the thoughts of everyone at North Yorkshire Police are with the officer’s family at this sad and very difficult time.

“I just sense he was someone who wanted to be here and wanted to be part of our team.

“He extolled the virtues of what we are looking for in North Yorkshire Police – he cared about the community, he wanted to do his job and protect people and he did it for the very best reasons.

“He was a man of integrity and he was popular with his colleagues and as chief constable I cannot ask for more of a young officer.”

He added: “The overwhelming sense of sadness which had been felt by Andrew’s colleagues is shared by the entire force as we mourn the loss of one of our officers.”

Mr Madgwick said messages of condolence had been sent from other forces across the country.

All flags at the force’s police stations are being flown at half-mast as a mark of respect and an online book of condolence has been opened on the force website.

Members of the other emergency services gathered to pay their respects at the scene yesterday.

Firefighters solemnly bowed their heads at the scene as flowers were laid.

Mike Stubbs, of North Yorkshire Police Federation said: “Today we are mourning a member of our police family, who was killed making his way to an incident to help a member of the public.

“Andrew had quickly established himself as a well-liked and respected officer amongst his colleagues in North Yorkshire who are distraught at his death.

“Most tragically, he leaves behind a young family who are devastated by last night’s events. We are working very closely with the chief officer team to support them.”

North Yorkshire Police Commissioner Julia Mulligan said: “This is the worst news a family can receive and my thoughts are with them all at this dreadful time.”

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and an investigation will be carried out into the cause of the crash.

Former colleagues from Manchester also paid their respects to the constable who spent nearly four years with Greater Manchester Police

Pc Bramma joined in October 2008 and worked as a response officer in the Rochdale division.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Heywood said: “Officers and staff here at Greater Manchester are distraught to hear the news of Andrew’s tragic death last night.

“Andrew was a well-liked and respected officer during his time at GMP and we would like to offer our most sincere condolences to Andrew’s family, friends and colleagues at both Forces, who are now understandably struggling to come to terms with his loss.”

Former colleagues from the B relief team at GMP’s Rochdale division issued a joint statement to express their sorrow at the death of an “A* standard” officer.

They said: “Last night we received the worst news any police officer could wish to receive – that a close colleague and friend, Pc Bramma, had been taken from us in tragic circumstances, whilst doing the job he loved of helping people in their hour of need.

“Andrew was a great police officer and a loving family man. For anyone who knew him, Andrew was meticulous in everything he did, nothing would ever beat him and he would leave no stone unturned to find his answers. Every job he dealt with was always done to A* standard.

“Andrew leaves us all with many lasting memories – from being such a great friend, to the large amount of hand gel and protective blue gloves he used to go through at work that we teased him about daily, to being a very proud and true Yorkshireman.

“We were all proud to know and work alongside Andrew and hope to lead by the high example he set for us to follow.

“Our thoughts are with his wife, two lovely sons and other family and friends at this time.”

Any witnesses or anyone who saw the van travelling between Ripon Police Station and the scene can call 101.