Kent Police Officer PC Bradley Corke Dies After Emergency Response Crash

PC Bradley Corke, 27, died on Saturday after his marked police car collided with another vehicle while responding to an emergency in Farningham

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Kent Police announces the death of PC Bradley Corke with profound sadness today. The 27-year-old officer died on Saturday 21 March 2026, two days after suffering critical injuries in a crash responding to an emergency call.

PC Corke joined Kent Police in May 2022 and served West Kent communities from his base in Tonbridge for nearly four years. His colleagues describe him as selflessly giving his life to save others in danger.

What Happened on the A20

The collision occurred at around 7.45pm on Thursday 19 March 2026. PC Corke’s marked Ford Focus police car collided with a VW Scirocco on the westbound A20 in Farningham, near the Button Street junction.

Officers were racing to respond to an urgent emergency incident in nearby Swanley when the crash happened. The busy A20 stretch sees heavy traffic during evening hours.

A colleague travelling with PC Corke remains in critical condition in hospital. The member of the public in the second vehicle sustained serious injuries.

Force Pays Tribute

Kent Police praised PC Corke’s bravery and dedication in their official statement. The force emphasised how he was “trying to save lives of others” when the tragedy occurred.

Neil Mennie, Chairman of Kent Police Federation, described the loss as “heartbreaking” for the entire policing family. He highlighted the inherent dangers officers face and the ultimate sacrifices made for public safety.

But the emotional toll extends far beyond immediate colleagues. The incident shows the daily risks faced by officers responding to urgent calls across Kent.

Investigation Continues

Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit appeals for witnesses to come forward. They are particularly seeking dashcam footage from the area around 7.45pm on Thursday evening.

Anyone with information should contact the unit on 01622 798538, quoting reference EW/AL/025/26.

No details have been released about the Swanley emergency PC Corke was responding to, or the specific cause of the crash. Both remain under investigation.

Key Takeaways

PC Bradley Corke, 27, died after crash while responding to emergency call in Farningham

A colleague remains critically injured; member of public sustained serious injuries

Kent Police seeks witnesses and dashcam footage from A20 incident at 7.45pm Thursday

What This Means for Kent Residents

The loss devastates West Kent policing, where PC Corke served Tonbridge and surrounding communities since 2022. His death reduces operational capacity in the area as the force supports his family and critically injured colleague. Residents may notice increased response times as Kent Police manages this tragic loss while maintaining public safety across the county.

Sources

https://www.the-independent.com/bulletin/news/kent-police-officer-death-bradley-corke-b2943383.html

https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/home-news/kent-police-officer-dies-crash-bradley-corke-b2943349.html

https://www.gbnews.com/news/kent-police-officer-dead-crash-bradley-corke

Original source: Post on X

Published: 23 March 2026

This article has been independently researched and verified using multiple authoritative sources by Kent Local News.