Mark Denten

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service has been rated inadequate in five of ten areas following a February inspection, including emergency response, values and culture, training and skills, equality and diversity, and leadership. Inspectors found that response times to serious fires were significantly slower than those of predominantly rural services and that information about high-risk sites was not managed effectively. Concerns also included homophobic and misogynistic language and a workplace culture that did not provide a safe environment. The service will enter enhanced monitoring and receive additional support. Chief Fire Officer Keith Carruthers said the organization was committed to making the required changes.

A 19-year-old Northumbria Police officer, Jess Turnbull, suffered fatal injuries after a black Mercedes struck a stationary police car while she was helping close the A189 in Cramlington following an earlier collision. She died two days later in hospital. An inquest heard details of the incident, confirmed CPR was administered at the scene, and set a provisional reconvening date for January 2027. A 73-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released on bail as investigations and appeals for witnesses continue.