COLLEAGUES have paid tribute to mark the anniversary of the death of a North Yorkshire police officer who died in a tragic crash as he was responding to an emergency call.

PC Andrew Bramma, 32 was killed at West Tanfield, near Ripon in Jaunary 2013, when his van left the road and hit a tree. The father of two was responding to a 999 call and was unaware colleagues were already at the scene.

On the anniversary of his death yesterday colleagues put a message out to mark the anniversary. They said: "In memory of PC Andrew Bramma who died on January 5, 2013 after his police vehicle left the road near Ripon as he responded to an emergency call. WeWill Never Forget. Police Roll Of Honour."

Supporters backed the tribute. One said: "God bless you keep flying high with the angels Thank you for keeping us safe."

Another responded: "R.I.P. same very nearly happened to my dad whilst on duty luckily only cuts to top of head where roof came down. God bless Andrew, I'm sure his family, colleagues and friends are still very much grieving."

In 2019 a triathlon was held to mark the anniversary of his death. Paul Lander, editor of Police Professional magazine, had set off on a challenge to complete 100, Olympic distance triathlons, one per day, in aid of the Police Memorial Trust,

The aim was to visit forces across the country who had lost an officer while on duty. On Saturday 5 January 2019 and supported by PC Bramma’s family and colleagues from North Yorkshire Police, a local triathlon team and friends of PC Bramma, Mr Lander started the triathlon at Thirsk swimming pool before the cycling team set off on a 40k ride to West Tanfield, the scene of the crash, where a minute’s silence was held outside St Nicholas Church. A 10k run around Thirsk completed the Triathlon.

North Yorkshire Chief Constable Lisa Winward said at the time: "We’re honoured to support Paul in aid of the Trust. January 5 will always be a difficult day for the force as we remember PC Bramma’s untimely death."