GRIEVING police have set up a trust fund to help the family of a popular officer who was killed as he responded to an emergency call.

PC Andrew Bramma died when his patrol van hit a tree at West Tanfield, near Ripon, on January 5. He left a widow, Kathryn and two sons, Jack aged three and Sam who is just 11-months-old.

Since the tragedy numerous offers of support have come from people all over the country – and more than 1,000 have contributed to an on-line book of condolence.

And today Temporary Chief Constable Tim Madgwick together with Sergeant Mike Stubbs of the North Yorkshire Police Federation, announced the launch of the fund.

It will enable people who wish to donate, or have already donated money, to contribute to the boys’ future.

Sgt Stubbs said they had been “inundated” with offers of help and were launching the fund in response to the outpouring of support and to help PC Bramma’s two sons.

“Jack is three-years-old and has recently started in reception class at school which he is enjoying. He loves to create things with Playdoh and likes to play games with his friends, pretending to be a shopkeeper,” he said.

“Jack is beginning to understand that his Daddy won’t be coming home.

“Sam is just 11-months-old and loves to play with noisy toys. Andrew was very proud when he saw Sam take his first steps, just a few days before he died.

“Sam is far too young to understand what has happened to his Daddy.”

He added: “Kathryn is now facing the prospect of bringing up Jack and Sam without the emotional, practical or financial support that Andrew would have given her.

“We cannot replace some of those things but we know she has a close family who will do all they can to support her. Where we can help is to secure a more stable financial future for Andrew’s family.”

Mrs Bramma said the overwhelming support they had been shown was a source of comfort and pride to the family.

“Andrew has always been a source of pride to the family, a loving husband and father and cherished son and brother,” she said.

“Andrew was everything said of him and more. We are deeply hurt by this tragedy but would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind words and support.

“We are hoping to find the strength from these to help us through this difficult time. We will always cherish Andrew's memory.”

*Donations can be made by bank transfer to Unity Trust Bank sort code 08 60 01 account number 20303088 account name “NYPF Jack and Sam Fund” or by cheques, payable to the same account, posted to North Yorkshire Police HQ, Newby Wiske, Northallerton, DL7 9HA or North Yorkshire Police Federation, the Police Station, Castlegate, Knaresborough, HG5 8AR.