A NORTH Yorkshire police officer who died after his car crashed into a tree as he responded to a 999 call has left behind a "devastated" young family.

Pc Andrew Bramma, 32, a married father-of-two, had been reacting to reports of a road accident when the crash happened in North Yorkshire.

He was the only person in the car and was pronounced dead at the scene in the village of West Tanfield, near Ripon, at around 7pm yesterday.

Today, North Yorkshire Police Temporary Chief Constable Tim Madgwick said: "This is terrible and tragic news and the thoughts of everyone at North Yorkshire Police are with the officers 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 said messages of condolence had been sent from other forces across the country.

Pc Bramma had only transferred four months ago to North Yorkshire from Greater Manchester Police, where he had served since 2008.

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."

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) also paid tribute to Pc Bramma, who spent nearly four years with the force.
He joined in October 2008 and worked as a response officer in the Rochdale division, GMP said.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Heywood said: "Officers and staff here at Greater Manchester are distraught to hear the news of Andrews 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 his family, friends and colleagues at both Forces, who are now understandably struggling to come to terms with his loss."
Pc Brammas former colleagues from the B relief team at GMPs Rochdale division issued a joint statement to express their sorrow.

They said: "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 Yorkshire man.
"We were all proud to know and work alongside him 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."

Officers are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or saw a police van travelling between Ripon police station and the scene of the incident, to contact them with information.