Tributes Paid to Kent Police Officer Killed in Line of Duty
Kent Police has confirmed the death of PC Bradley Corke, a 27-year-old officer who succumbed to critical injuries sustained while on duty. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, March 19, 2026, and PC Corke passed away on Saturday, March 21, leaving his family, colleagues, and community in mourning.
Details of the Collision
According to Kent Police, PC Corke and a colleague were responding to an immediate emergency call when their marked Ford Focus police vehicle was involved in a collision. The accident took place on the westbound A20 London Road at the junction with Button Street in Farningham at approximately 7:45 PM on March 19.
The colleague remains critically ill in hospital, while a member of the public in a second vehicle, a VW Scirocco, continues to receive treatment for serious injuries. The force has launched an investigation and is appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
A Life of Service and Sacrifice
PC Bradley Corke had been serving with Kent Police since May 2022, based in Tonbridge and working across the towns of West Kent. In a heartfelt tribute, the police force described him as having "selflessly given up his life while trying to save the lives of others who were in danger." They emphasized that his "bravery, dedication, and passion for helping others will not be forgotten."
The force is providing support to his devastated family and colleagues during this difficult time, highlighting the profound impact of his loss on the entire police community.
Family's Heartfelt Tribute
PC Corke's family paid an emotional tribute to their "beautiful boy," who was "cruelly taken away from us far too young." They described him as "one of the finest young men ever to have walked this earth" and a credit to himself, his parents, and all who loved him.
In their statement, they expressed pride in his dedication to the police profession, noting that he was "proud to be PC Bradley Corke." The family found comfort in the outpouring of love and affection from those he helped, stating, "It comes as no surprise to us that so many had such a positive experience in his presence, because that’s just Brad – a true gentleman in every situation he encountered."
They concluded 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 son, love you with every ounce of our being. Sleep tight our most beautiful boy."
Investigation and Appeal
Kent Police is urging anyone with information about the collision to assist with the ongoing investigation. Witnesses or individuals with dashcam footage are asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at 01622 798538, quoting reference EW/AL/025/26. Alternatively, they can email sciu.td@kent.police.uk with the same reference or upload footage through the provided channel.
This tragic event underscores the risks faced by police officers in the line of duty and has sparked an outpouring of support and condolences from across the region.
