Inquest opened into death of Cumbrian police officer in M6 crash

An inquest has been opened into the death of a Cumbrian police officer who was killed in a crash on the M6 near Carlisle

PC Nick Dumphreys, 47, died after the marked patrol car he was driving left the southbound motorway carriageway between junctions 44 and 43 on Sunday 26 January.

PC Dumphreys joined Cumbria Constabulary in 2003, working for the majority of his time with the force’s Mobile Support Group. He had been based in Penrith and Brampton, and most recently at Durranhill, Carlisle.

Born in South Africa, he was married to Kat - also a police officer - and was described by his family after the tragedy as a “kind and loving husband and father”, and a “larger than life character who loved his job and adored his children”.

PC Dumphreys’ funeral service was held in Carlisle on Monday, and was attended by hundreds of people including police officers and members of other emergency services.

Cumbria area coroner Kirsty Gomersal opened an inquest into the officer’s death in Cockermouth on 12 February and stated a post mortem examination had concluded the case of his death was a severe head injury.

The brief inquest opening hearing was adjourned for further enquiries and a provisional conclusion date was listed for 3rd July.

Speaking after PC Dumphreys’ death, Cumbria’s Chief Constable, Michelle Skeer, paid tribute, saying: “Colleagues who worked closely with him would describe him as a consummate professional who you could always rely on. He was a big character with an even bigger heart who always put other people first.”

A Cumbria police spokesman said after the collision that an investigation was under way with support from a neighbouring force.