PC Bradley Corke, 27, a Kent Police officer based in Tonbridge, died on March 21 after being critically injured in a road collision two days earlier.
He and a colleague were responding to an emergency 999 call when their marked Ford Focus police car was struck by a blue Volkswagen Scirocco on the westbound A20 London Road at the junction with Button Street, Farningham, near Swanley.
PC Corke had grown up in Hastings before joining Kent Police in May 2022, spending his entire career serving communities across West Kent.
PC Bradley Corke, who died on March 21 (Image: Kent Police)
‘We love you son, with every ounce of our being’
In a statement released through Kent Police on Tuesday, PC Corke’s parents described their son’s death as a loss from which they may never recover.
“Our beautiful boy, so cruelly taken away from us far too young,” they said.
“Bradley was one of the finest young men ever to have walked this earth. A credit to himself, to us as parents and to all his family and friends who loved him dearly.
“He was proud to be PC Bradley Corke, and in turn we are proud of his dedication to the profession.”
The family said they had been “touched by the outpouring of love and affection from all who knew him”, and drew particular comfort from messages sent by members of the public who he had helped while on duty.
“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,” the statement continued.
“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.”
Kent Police held a ceremony for PC Corke on March 23 (Image: Kent Police)
A devoted Brighton fan
Bradley’s brother Nathan also paid tribute to his sibling on social media, describing him as his “hero” and revealing the brothers shared a lifelong passion for Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
“RIP to my hero, my brother who died in a tragic car incident the other day,” Nathan wrote.
“He was a beloved Brighton fan, we had season tickets for 14 years.”
Brighton & Hove Albion FC also posted their condolences on social media, saying that “everyone at Albion” was thinking of PC Corke’s family during the difficult time.
Tributes from MPs, police and government
Helena Dollimore, the Member of Parliament for Hastings and Rye – Bradley’s home constituency – said in tribute:
“It is incredibly sad news that Kent Police officer and Hastings resident Bradley Corke has passed away following a collision while responding to an emergency call,” she said.
“My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues at this exceptionally difficult time. PC Corke was just 27 years old, and this loss is truly heartbreaking. This is a devastating reminder of the risks our officers take every single day to keep us safe.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the House of Commons on Monday that she wanted to pay her respects to the officer who had “sadly lost his life in the line of duty”, adding: “My thoughts, and I believe those of the entire house, are with his family and friends.”
Kent Police paid tribute to their officer in a formal statement: “Bradley selflessly gave up his life while trying to save the lives of others who were in danger. His bravery, dedication, and passion for helping others will not be forgotten.”
On Monday, the force held a two-minute silence across all stations in his honour, with flowers and tributes laid by colleagues and members of the public at Tonbridge Police Station, the base where Bradley served.
Bradley’s family called him a ‘true gentleman’ (Image: Kent Police)
Neil Mennie, Chair of Kent Police Federation, said: “We are all absolutely heartbroken to learn of this news. Bradley was a popular colleague who will be much missed and we will be doing all we can to support his family and close colleagues at this time.
“Policing is a family and words cannot describe the pain we are all feeling. This sad incident serves as a horrific example of the risks police officers face and how police officers can sadly make the ultimate sacrifice as they strive to keep the public safe.”
Sussex Police also extended their condolences, expressing deep sadness at the passing of a man who had called Hastings home.
A colleague remains critically ill
A second officer who was travelling in the same vehicle as PC Corke remains critically ill in hospital. A member of the public in the Volkswagen Scirocco continues to receive treatment for serious injuries.
Kent Police are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about the collision to come forward.
Witnesses, or anyone with dashcam footage, should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538, quoting reference EW/AL/025/26.