Essex Police Officer PC Mathew Parker Laid to Rest in Full Ceremonial Funeral

• PC Mathew Parker, 43, from Essex Police’s Chigwell Roads Policing Unit, died on 19 November 2025 in a single-motorcycle crash on the A12 near Ingatestone while responding to an emergency with blue lights activated.​
• Parker succumbed to traumatic head injuries after losing control and hitting a central barrier; no other vehicles involved, inquest confirmed.​
• A 15-year serving officer since 2010, also based in Loughton, he was a father of two, Harley-Davidson enthusiast and Iron Order Motorcycle Club member.​
• Full ceremonial funeral held on 15 December 2025 at St Mary’s Church, Harlow, preceded by procession via his favourite pub and policing base, attended by hundreds including Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington.​
• Family tribute: “Mat led a life marked by commitment and integrity… his joy and enthusiasm for riding mirrored his adventurous nature.”​
• Chief Constable Harrington: “Mat died while fulfilling his duty… he exemplifies the values of Essex Police”; concluded: “Mat, may you ride free.”​
• Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow: “Mat made the ultimate sacrifice… we stand united in sorrow with his family.”​
• PFCC Roger Hirst: “Great sadness… died in the line of duty while responding to an emergency.”​
• Tributes emphasise his generosity, courage, laughter and strong character from family, colleagues and community.​

Hundreds of mourners, police colleagues and family paid final respects to Essex Police motorcycle officer PC Mathew Parker at a full ceremonial funeral in Harlow, following his tragic death in a single-vehicle crash on the A12 while rushing to an emergency on 19 November 2025.​

How did PC Mathew Parker die?

As reported by The Sun, PC Mathew Parker tragically died after losing control of his police motorbike and hitting a central barrier on the A12 between Brentwood and Chelmsford at around 12:25pm on 19 November 2025. Area Coroner Michelle Brown stated at the inquest: “This 43-year serving police officer was responding to an incident and traveling with blue lights. He was involved in a single-vehicle accident when he lost control of his motorcycle and struck a central barrier.” Paramedics declared him dead at the scene from traumatic head injuries; initial investigations suggest no other vehicles involved.​

Hello Rayo confirmed Parker, known as Mat, was a motorcycle officer with the Chigwell Roads Policing Unit when the collision occurred, dying despite efforts at the scene. Essex Police noted he joined in 2010, serving in Loughton before Chigwell.​

What was PC Parker’s career and personal life?

The Sun detailed Parker’s 15-year service with Essex Police, recently in the Chigwell Roads Policing Team, alongside his passion for motorbikes as a Harley-Davidson owner and Iron Order Club affiliate. ITV News Anglia described him as a “generous” and “courageous” bike-loving officer, a father passionate about riding. His family stated: “Mat lived a life defined by dedication and integrity. Beyond his role as a proud officer of Essex Police, he was a man of strong values and a generous heart.”​

BBC News reported Parker as a father of two from Loughton, exemplifying British policing values. They added his enthusiasm mirrored “his adventurous nature and sense of camaraderie.”​

Why was the funeral a full ceremonial event?

As covered by BBC News, the funeral at St Mary’s Church, Harlow, on 15 December 2025, featured a procession passing his favourite pub and policing base, drawing hundreds. Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington called it “the greatest privilege” to support the family, stating: “I cannot fathom the sorrow experienced by Mat’s family, but today we stand together with them in mourning and affection for Mat.” Harrington praised: “Mat lost his life while responding to an emergency call to assist a stranger – he exemplifies the values of Essex Police and British policing.”​

The Guardian Series noted the full ceremonial honours reflecting his on-duty death. Harrington concluded: “Mat, may you find peace and ride freely. I will always be thankful for your service.”​

What tributes did colleagues pay?

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow, overseeing Operational Policing Command, told The Sun: “Mat exhibited bravery and courage, and we are all thankful for his service. We stand united in sorrow with his devastated family and will continue to support them during this unimaginably challenging time.” Chief Constable Harrington added: “Mat died while fulfilling his duty – protecting and serving the people of Essex.”​

PFCC Roger Hirst expressed to Essex PFCC site: “It is with great sadness that Essex Police have today confirmed the identity of a police officer who tragically died in the line of duty while responding to an emergency. PC Mathew Parker… died on Wednesday, 19 November, at 12:25pm on the A12.” BBC echoed family remembering his “courage.”​

How did the family describe PC Parker?

Parker’s family shared with The Sun: “Mat led a life marked by commitment and integrity… He joy and enthusiasm for riding mirrored his adventurous nature and sense of camaraderie.” ITV quoted: “We will always treasure his laughter, his integrity, and the strength of his character.” BBC noted they would honour his bravery.​

What was the inquest’s initial finding?

The Sun reported Area Coroner Michelle Brown outlining the emergency response context and single-vehicle nature at Essex Coroner’s Court. No further details on cause beyond loss of control; full inquest pending.​

How has the policing community responded?

Essex Police and Reddit posts confirmed the tragedy, with widespread mourning. ITV highlighted tributes to his generosity. Chief officers emphasised ongoing family support.​

What does Parker’s death mean for Essex Police?

Harrington positioned Parker as epitomising service, per BBC. The ceremonial funeral underscores rare on-duty honours, boosting morale amid road policing risks.