COLLEAGUES of a police officer who was killed while responding to a 999 call have spoken of their continuing grief over his loss on the first anniversary of his death.

PC Andrew Bramma died on January 5 last year when the police van he was driving left the A6108 and hit a tree at West Tanfield, near Ripon, North Yorkshire.

He left a widow, Kathryn, and two sons, Jack and Sam, who were aged three and 11 months at the time of his death.

Chief Constable Dave Jones and Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick laid flowers in memory of PC Bramma at the police memorial stones outside the force’s headquarters at Newby Wiske Hall, near Northallerton, yesterday (Friday, January 3).

On Sunday (January 5) and Monday (January 6) the North Yorkshire Police flag will fly at half-mast as a mark of respect.

Mike Stubbs, secretary of North Yorkshire Police Federation, said: “Andrew was greatly loved and hugely respected, and this anniversary will be a painful and poignant reflection of just how great a loss he is, both as a family man and as a police officer.

“With the severe weather anticipated this weekend, the anniversary of his death is also a sombre and timely reminder of the dangers that police officers, and members of other emergency services, face as they work to keep the public safe.”

Mr Stubbs also praised the fundraising efforts to support PC Bramma‘s children, with a fund standing at more than £28,000 following donations from his colleagues, the public and the 32-year-old’s former rugby club.

To donate, cheques payable to NYPF Jack and Sam Fund can be posted to North Yorkshire Police HQ, Newby Wiske, Northallerton, DL7 9HA.