11 March 2024 , 13:42
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A police constable who moved from the UK to start a new life in Australia has died after suffering a horrific injury during his engagement party.
Liam Trimmer, 29, and his fiancée had organised a small party on Sunday at a property in Western Australia to announce their news to friends and family. A freak accident during the celebrations, though, saw Mr Trimmer slip and fall, cutting the carotid artery in his neck and causing heavy bleeding. It has not yet been made clear exactly how the police officer suffered the fatal neck wound, or where the tragic incident took place, but the case is now subject to a coroner's inquest.
Police Commissioner Col Blanch, for Western Australia Police Commissioner, said: "Everything was done to try and save him, but it wasn't to be and I know everyone that was involved is really, really hurting at the moment. I think they wish they could just wake up from this nightmare."
Mr Trimmer, who moved to Australia from the UK when he was a teenager in 2013, graduated from Australia's Joondalup Police Academy before moving to the city of Kalgoorlie, some 370 miles east of Perth, in 2017. He established himself as a prominent member of the local community, playing for the rugby team and joining the police force's tactical response group, where he developed a record as an exemplary policeman.
He also featured in the UK TV series Wanted Down Under, giving a teenager advice on life in Australia before they migrated. Colleagues described Mr Trimmer as an "extraordinary officer" and lamented the "tragic" circumstances that led to his untimely death. "This extraordinary officer loved helping the community and was a fine example of WA policing and it's just such a tragedy," Mr Blanch said.
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The young police constable had moved from the UK to Australia (Family handout)"(He was) a very, very confident, capable young man with his whole life ahead of him, and that's how sad this is. It's important now for us to wrap around each other, to lean on each other. Can I thank the community and those involved — first responders and the broader parts of the community — for really offering their support to the family and fellow officers?"
The Western Australia Police Union said Mr Trimmer was a "valued member of the blue family". "Every time a death occurs for a police officer, it doesn't matter how, it really does rock the core of the police family," Union President Paul Gale told local media.
WA's (Western Australia) Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti also gave remarks on the incident, describing Mr Trimmer's death as an "awful, awful tragedy. As I understand it, this police officer came over from the UK to start a new life in WA (Western Australia). My condolences go out to the family and friends of that particular officer" she said.
A coroner is now performing a post-mortem examination of Mr Trimmer's body and a statement regarding his death is expected in the coming days. A police spokesperson told The West Australian: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are extended to his family and colleagues. Our health, welfare and safety division will provide support to those impacted by this tragedy."