Pc Bradley Corke, 27, described as “one of the finest young men ever to have walked this Earth” died on Saturday after the collision in Farningham, near Swanley, Kent
The family of a police officer who died after a car crash while responding to an “immediate call” say they are “broken and will probably never recover”.
Pc Bradley Corke, 27, described by his family as a “true gentleman” and “one of the finest young men ever to have walked this Earth” died on Saturday after the collision in Farningham, near Swanley, Kent, on Thursday.
A marked Ford Focus police car and Volkswagen Scirocco collided on the westbound A20 London Road at the junction with Button Street at about 7.45pm, Kent Police said.
Pc Corke’s colleague was left in a critical condition and a member of the public in the second vehicle was treated for serious injuries, the force said. The officers had been travelling to an emergency incident in Swanley.
In a statement, Pc Corke’s family said: “Our beautiful boy, so cruelly taken away from us far too young. Bradley was one of the finest young men ever to have walked this Earth. A credit to himself, to us as parents and to all his family and friends who loved him dearly.
“He was proud to be Pc Bradley Corke, and in turn we are proud of his dedication to the profession. We have been touched by the outpouring of love and affection from all who knew him. In particular, we have taken comfort from the kind words of those who he helped in his line of duty, supporting them in their hour of need.”
They added: “It comes as no surprise to us that so many had such a positive experience in his presence, because that’s just Brad – a true gentleman in every situation he encountered.
“Son, we are broken and will probably never recover from your loss, but we hope we can draw strength from all that you are and forever will be. We love you son, love you with every ounce of our being. Sleep tight our most beautiful boy.”
Tonbridge-based Pc Corke joined the force in May 2022 and served the towns of west Kent.
Neil Mennie, chairman of Kent Police Federation, said in a statement: “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.”
