Tributes paid to 999-death officer

Dozens of police officers have paid tribute to a colleague who died when his car crashed as he was responding to a 999 call.

The 36 uniformed officers formed a guard of honour at the funeral of Pc Andrew Bramma, who was reacting to reports of an accident when his vehicle crashed into a tree in North Yorkshire.

Police chiefs attending the service in Leeds described father-of-two Pc Bramma as a "good British police officer" as they spoke of his dedication to his job.

Speaking before the funeral at Pudsey Parish Church, Temporary Chief Constable Tim Madgwick, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "He was a fine young officer who had a long career ahead of him.

"He had all the attributes and skills we need in a young officer. He was conscientious, he was there to protect the public, there to serve the community, and we were confident his career would go from strength to strength and we're just so sorry we've lost a colleague in these circumstances."

Mr Madgwick added: "He was conscientious, did the right thing and was just a good British police officer."

Hundreds of colleagues, friends and family attended today's funeral, including officers from North Yorkshire Police and Greater Manchester Police, where Pc Bramma served for four years.

Pc Bramma joined Greater Manchester Police in October 2008 and worked as a response officer in the Rochdale division. He transferred to North Yorkshire four months before his death.

Mr Madgwick said Pc Bramma was already part of the team in Harrogate, with colleagues speaking of him in high regard. He said: "He was someone who volunteered. Sadly he volunteered on that day to do a different duty but that speaks volumes for him."

Sergeant Mike Stubbs, of North Yorkshire Police Federation, described Pc Bramma as a highly respected officer. He said: "Obviously it's hit his closest colleagues the hardest, but a tragedy like this reverberates throughout, not only the North Yorkshire Police, but throughout the police service and that's been recognised by the tributes we've received from police forces around the country."