Family of Police Officer Killed in Kent Crash Say They Are 'Broken'
The family of a police officer who died following a car crash in Kent while responding to an immediate emergency call have stated they are "broken and will probably never recover". PC Bradley Corke, aged 27, passed away on Saturday after the collision in Farningham, near Swanley, which occurred on Thursday evening.
Tributes to a 'True Gentleman'
In a heartfelt statement, PC Corke's family described him as a "true gentleman" and "one of the finest young men ever to have walked this Earth". They expressed their profound grief, saying, "Our beautiful boy, so cruelly taken away from us far too young. Bradley was a credit to himself, to us as parents, and to all his family and friends who loved him dearly."
The family added that he was proud to serve as PC Bradley Corke, and they are proud of his dedication to the police profession. They have been comforted by the outpouring of love from those he helped in his line of duty, noting his positive impact on everyone he encountered.
Details of the Collision
According to Kent Police, the incident happened at approximately 7:45 PM on the westbound A20 London Road at the junction with Button Street. A marked Ford Focus police car collided with a Volkswagen Scirocco. PC Corke was travelling with a colleague to an emergency incident in Swanley at the time.
His colleague was left in a critical condition following the crash, while a member of the public in the second vehicle received treatment for serious injuries. The force has launched an appeal for information, urging witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact the serious collision investigation unit.
Community and Colleague Reactions
Neil Mennie, chairman of the Kent Police Federation, expressed the collective heartbreak within the policing community. He stated, "We are all absolutely heartbroken to learn of this news. Bradley was a popular colleague who will be much missed, and we will be doing all we can to support his family and close colleagues at this time."
Mennie emphasised that policing is a family and highlighted the risks officers face daily, noting this incident as a horrific example of how they can make the ultimate sacrifice while keeping the public safe. PC Corke, based in Tonbridge, joined Kent Police in May 2022 and served the towns of west Kent.
The family concluded their tribute with a poignant message: "Son, we are broken and will probably never recover from your loss, but we hope we can draw strength from all that you are and forever will be. We love you with every ounce of our being. Sleep tight our most beautiful boy."
