A FUND has been set up to support the family of the North Yorkshire Police officer who was killed while responding to an emergency call.

PC Andrew Bramma died when his patrol car crashed near Ripon earlier this month, leaving his widow Kathryn, and two sons, Jack, three, and 11-month-old Sam.

Temporary chief constable Tim Madgwick and Sergeant Mike Stubbs, of the North Yorkshire Police Federation, announced the launch of the fund at Selby Police Station yesterday, and read a statement from Mrs Bramma.

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

“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.”

Mr Madgwick said he had spoken to Mrs Bramma and PC Bramma’s parents, calling them “a remarkably resilient and strong family, obviously a very loving family, but devastated by what has happened”.

Sgt Stubbs said Jack recently started in reception class, while Sam had taken his first steps days before his father’s death.

He said: “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.”

Sgt Stubbs said the aim of the fund was to give Jack and Sam the same opportunities that they would have had if PC Bramma had been there to provide for them.

He said there was “a real desire to help” the family, shared by PC Bramma’s colleagues around the country, and said: “It’s clear that he was both an exceptional police officer and an exceptional person and his loss has had a huge impact on everyone who knew him.”

To donate to the fund by bank transfer, send to Unity Trust Bank Sort Code 08 60 01 Account Number 20303088 Account name “NYPF Jack and Sam Fund”, or by cheque payable to “NYPF Jack and Sam Fund”.

Alternatively, cheques can be posted to North Yorkshire Police HQ, Newby Wiske, Northallerton, DL7 9HA, or North Yorkshire Police Federation, The Police Station, Castlegate, Knaresborough, HG5 8AR.

Anyone donating is also urged to sign the book of condolences on the North Yorkshire Police website.