An Essex Police officer has died in a motorbike collision on the A12 while responding to an emergency. The officer was killed Wednesday around 12:25pm near Ingatestone, prompting heartfelt tributes from colleagues who described him as "professional and courageous."
Essex Police confirmed the officer died at the scene. No other vehicle is believed to have been involved in the fatal collision. The force raised a flag at half-mast outside its headquarters to honor the fallen officer.
An Essex Police spokesperson said: «Sadly, we can confirm a police officer died in the line of duty yesterday (Wednesday 19 November) following a collision on the A12. The officer, who was riding a police motorbike, was responding to an emergency at the time of the collision which took place on the stretch of road near Ingatestone at around 12.25pm.»
The spokesperson added: «At this stage we do not believe any other vehicle was involved and, sadly, the officer died at the scene. The road was closed for a significant amount of time while specialist officers responded and investigated at the scene.»
Tribute from Chief Constable
Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington expressed deep condolences. He said: «My thoughts and prayers, and those of the entire Essex Police family, are with the officer's family and friends. I want to pay tribute to our professional and courageous colleague. He was a dedicated professional who died doing his job – protecting and serving the people of Essex. I will always be grateful for his service.»
Harrington emphasized support for the officer's family and colleagues. «We are supporting the officer's colleagues and his family at this extremely difficult time. I would ask that people do not speculate about the collision and the circumstances around it. Please let our experienced and professional investigators carry out their work,» he said.
The Chief Constable also thanked the public for their patience during the road closure. «I also want to thank the public who were affected by the collision for their patience, understanding, and co-operation with officers and our emergency service colleagues who responded to the collision,» he said.
The officer's identity has not been formally released.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
