Death of retired Police Officer: Chief Inspector David Cromarty

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Chief Inspector David Cromarty, who died at home, on Thursday 13th November 2025 aged 65 years.

David joined Durham Constabulary on the 19th May 1980, serving initially in Wear Valley, before working in the Control Room and Durham City. In 1988 he was seconded to the Home Office Police National Computer Unit and promoted to Sergeant. David served as uniform Sergeant at Bishop Auckland town and Easington before transferring to HQ Personnel and Training in 1994. In November 1996 David was promoted to Inspector and seconded to National Police Training, following which he was uniform Inspector at Newton Aycliffe. In August 2001 he moved to Forward planning at HQ. Promotion to Chief Inspector in August 2003 saw a transfer to Community Safety and then to South Area Command in November 2004 responsible for Neighbourhood policing. David later transferred to HQ Communications in March 2006 where he served until his retirement in May 2010.

David was an accomplished musician, playing the piano from the age of 8. He also played keyboards for several bands and performed at numerous gigs across the northeast. He volunteered at Framwellgate School, supporting young musicians.

David is survived by his wife Clare.

A private cremation has been held but everyone who knew David is invited to join Clare and friends at a Celebration of Life for David. This event will take place at Durham County International Cricket Ground, Chester-le-Street, at 2pm on 12th January 2026.

No flowers please, donations in lieu to the Great North Air Ambulance Service

Death of retired Police Officer: Inspector 1852 Anthony (Tony) Robert Cockburn

 

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Inspector 1852 Anthony (Tony) Robert Cockburn, who died in University Hospital North Durham, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday 11th November 2025, aged 84 years.

Tony joined Durham County Constabulary on 25th June 1962; he was promoted to Sergeant on 3 January 1977 and to Inspector on 16 January 1984.  He retired on 31st August 1992.

Tony is survived by wife Mary, son Andrew, daughters Caroline and Claire, daughter in law Angela, sons in law Matthew and Colin, grandchildren Lewis, Katie, Andrew, Ellis, Luke, Ashley and Bethaney and great grandchildren Callum, Olivia, Ebony, Charlie, Aria, Zara and Millie.

A funeral service is to be held at 11.00am Monday 8th December 2025, at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Leukemia Research.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Bede Lodge Social Club, Finchale Road, Durham DH1 5HL

Our thoughts are with Tony’s family and friends at this sad time.