‘Ultimate sacrifice’: Police officer killed in horror Sydney crash identified

A police officer has been killed and another hospitalised, as their shocked and devastated colleagues investigate an early morning crash in inner Sydney.

The female constable was a passenger in a fully marked police vehicle travelling under lights and sirens along Gibbons Street, Redfern, when it crashed into a tree about 1.30am on Friday. She died instantly, police said.

A male constable – the driver – has been taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a stable condition.

The officer killed in the crash, believed to be aged in her 20s, joined NSW Police less than two years ago.

She was based at Redfern police station – about 100 metres from the crash site – in her first posting after graduating from the force’s Goulburn academy.

Officers were seen hugging and comforting each other at the scene on Friday morning.

“It’s just a tragic day for all police in NSW where two young officers were doing their job as police across the state do 24/7,” Police Association of NSW president Kevin Morton said.

In a statement, the union said officers across NSW were shocked at the death of their colleague.

Premier Chris Minns said it was devastating news.

“My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the officer who has lost her life,” Minns said.

“Every day our police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep the rest of us safe, and today the entire NSW police family will be grieving.

“I’m also thinking of the officer injured in the crash and everyone who responded to this terrible scene.”

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said police officers dedicate themselves to looking after others.

“Today the NSW Police family is mourning one of its own,” Catley said.

“My heart is with her family, her loved ones and her colleagues on this dark day.”

Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said she was heartbroken.

“She was out working while most of us were asleep, protecting the community,” Sloane said.

“Our police put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect us. Today, we stand with them as they mourn one of their own.”

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon returned early from annual leave on Friday and is expected to address the media at midday.

A crime scene has been established, and a critical incident has been declared. Detectives have removed several bags of evidence from the crash site.

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission is monitoring the investigation. A report will be prepared for the coroner and an inquest will likely follow.

The last time a NSW police officer died in an on-duty crash was in March 2016, when Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, 43, crashed into a tree in the state’s Hunter region while responding to a pursuit of a suspected stolen car.

A large section of Gibbons Street remains closed from Lawson Street to Cleveland Street as crash investigators examine the scene.

Regent Street is closed in both directions between Cleveland and Redfern Street.

Bus routes are being diverted and motorists are advised to avoid the area as the police investigation is expected to take some time.

More to come

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