UPDATE: Yvette Cooper MP, Shadow Home Secretary, has also paid tribute to PC Bramma, in a statement released this morning.

She said: "This is terrible news. The officer was working to help others and keep people safe, in this instance responding to an emergency call.

"All our sympathies and thoughts go out to his family and friends. Police officers across the country put their lives at risk every night so we all can be safer and more secure, and they deserve our deep gratitude."

 

TRIBUTES have been paid to PC Andrew Bramma, the North Yorkshire police officer who died while on duty this weekend.

The married father-of-two was killed when his patrol van struck a tree in West Tanfield at about 7pm on Saturday, while following up reports of a road accident.

PC Bramma transferred to North Yorkshire Police last August, after serving with Greater Manchester Police for four years, and his colleagues from GMP have today issued tributes to the “well-liked and respected” officer.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Heywood said: “Officers and staff here at Greater Manchester are distraught to hear the news of Andrew’s tragic death on Saturday 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 Andrew’s family, friends and colleagues at both Forces, who are now understandably struggling to come to terms with his loss.”

His friends and former colleagues from GMP's Rochdale division also issued a statement praising PC Bramma.

It said: “Last night we received the worst news any police officer could wish to receive – that a close colleague and friend, PC Bramma, had been taken from us in tragic circumstances, whilst doing the job he loved of helping people in their hour of need.

"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 Andrew 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.”

An online condolence book has been opened on the North Yorkshire Police website for anyone wishing to pay tribute to PC Bramma, and can be found at northyorkshire.police.uk/condolences