Police
tributes to
officer in
999 crash
tragedy

and thoughts are with them all at this dreadful time.”

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed and an investigation will be carried out into the cause of the crash.

Former colleagues from Manchester also paid their respects to the constable who spent nearly four years with Greater Manchester Police

Pc Bramma joined in October 2008 and worked as a response officer in the Rochdale division.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Heywood said: “Officers and staff here at Greater Manchester are distraught to hear the news of Andrew’s tragic death last 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.”

Former colleagues from the B relief team at GMP’s Rochdale division issued a joint statement to express their sorrow at the death of an “A* standard” officer.

They 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 Yorkshireman.

“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.”

Any witnesses or anyone who saw the van travelling between Ripon Police Station and the scene can call 101.