'Selfless' police officer dies in line of duty

A police officer has died in the line of duty after his vehicle was in a collision with another car in Kent.

PC Bradley Corke, 27, died on Saturday, after he was critically injured in Farningham on Thursday evening.

He and a colleague, who remains critically ill in hospital, were responding to an "immediate" call when their marked police car was involved in the crash.

A member of the public who was in a second vehicle continues to be treated for serious injuries.

"Bradley selflessly gave up his life while trying to save the lives of others who were in danger," Kent Police said.

"His bravery, dedication, and passion for helping others will not be forgotten."

The incident, involving a marked Ford Focus police car and a VW Scirocco, happened on the westbound A20 London Road at the junction with Button Street at around 7.45pm on Thursday.

PC Corke served with the force since May 2022. He was based in Tonbridge and spent his police service in the towns of West Kent. The force is supporting his family and colleagues, who are devastated.

Neil Mennie, chair of Kent Police Federation, said: "We are all absolutely heartbroken to learn of this news.

"Bradley was a popular colleague who will be much missed and we will be doing all we can to support his family and close colleagues at this time.

"Policing is a family and words cannot describe the pain we are all feeling and how this news will affect us in the days, weeks and months ahead.

"This sad incident serves as a horrific example of the risks police officers face and how police officers can sadly make the ultimate sacrifice as they strive to keep the public safe."

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A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it would assess a mandatory referral from Kent Police.

The spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident.

"We received a mandatory referral from Kent Police on Friday afternoon, which we will assess in due course before deciding whether any further action is required from us."

Kent Police is appealing for anyone with information about the collision to come forward.

Witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage should contact the serious collision investigation unit.

They can also reach the unit on 01622 798538, quoting EW/AL/025/26.

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