The relatives of a police officer originally from Hastings who died while serving have described him as an exceptional young man taken far too soon.

PC Bradley Corke, aged 27, worked for Kent Police in Tonbridge and passed away on March 21, two days after sustaining life-threatening injuries in a traffic incident.

He and another officer were attending an emergency call when their marked Ford Focus patrol vehicle was hit by a blue Volkswagen Scirocco on the westbound A20 London Road at the Button Street intersection in Farningham, close to Swanley.

Corke spent his childhood in Hastings before joining Kent Police in May 2022 and had spent his entire career protecting communities throughout West Kent.

In remarks provided to Kent Police on Tuesday, Corke’s mother and father said their son’s death was a wound they might never heal from.

They described him as their beautiful boy, so cruelly taken away from them far too young.

According to his parents, Bradley was an outstanding young man who reflected well upon himself, his family and all who knew him. They said he took great pride in serving as PC Bradley Corke, and they in turn felt immense pride in his commitment to policing.

The family noted they had been moved by the numerous messages of affection from those who had encountered their son, particularly finding solace in accounts from members of the public he had assisted during his duties.

They added that it came as no shock that so many people had positive experiences around him, because that simply was who Brad was – a genuine gentleman in every circumstance. They expressed that their son had left them shattered and they might never recover from losing him, though they hoped to find comfort in everything he represented and would always represent. They declared their love for him with every part of their beings and wished him peaceful rest.

Bradley’s sibling Nathan also shared memories of his brother on social media, describing him as his hero and explaining the pair had been devoted supporters of Brighton & Hove Albion throughout their lives.

Nathan posted that his brother had died following a tragic vehicle incident, noting they had held season tickets for the club for 14 years. Brighton & Hove Albion FC also published their sympathies online, stating everyone at the club was keeping Corke’s family in their thoughts during this challenging period.

Helena Dollimore, MP for Hastings and Rye – the area where Corke grew up – offered her reflections, describing it as terribly sad to learn that a Kent Police officer and Hastings resident had died after a collision while responding to an emergency. She stated her thoughts and deepest sympathies were with his family, friends and fellow officers during this incredibly hard time, noting Corke was only 27 and his loss was profoundly heartbreaking, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers officers face daily to protect the public.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood informed the House of Commons on Monday she wished to honour the officer who had tragically lost his life in service, stating her thoughts and those she believed were shared by the entire chamber were with his loved ones.

Kent Police issued an official statement paying their respects, noting Bradley had given his life while attempting to rescue others who were in peril, and that his courage, commitment and enthusiasm for helping people would be remembered forever.

On Monday, the force observed a two-minute silence at every station in his memory, with floral tributes and messages left by fellow officers and members of the public at Tonbridge Police Station, where he was based.

Neil Mennie, Chair of Kent Police Federation, expressed that everyone was completely devastated by this news. He said Bradley had been a well-liked colleague whose absence would be deeply felt, and the federation would do everything possible to support his family and close colleagues. He noted policing was like a family and no words could convey the shared grief, adding this tragic occurrence highlighted the dangers officers face and how they can tragically give the ultimate sacrifice while working to keep the public safe.

Sussex Police also conveyed their condolences, expressing profound sorrow at the death of a man who had called Hastings home.

Another officer who had been in the same vehicle as Corke continues to be in a critical condition in hospital. An occupant of the Volkswagen Scirocco is also receiving medical care for severe injuries.

Detectives are urging anyone with information about the incident to get in touch. Those who witnessed what happened or have dashcam recordings should call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538, quoting reference EW/AL/025/26.