Hero police officer who was hit by a train while trying to save a distressed man on the tracks has died
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The hero police officer who was hit by a train while trying to save a distressed man on the tracks has died.
Sergeant Graham Saville, 46, sustained serious injuries after being called to a residential area in Balderton, near Newark-on-Trent, around 7pm on Thursday following fears over a mans safety.
While trying to help the man, the Sergeant was hit by a passing train. He was taken to hospital but despite the best efforts of medical staff, the officer died at Queen’s Medical Centre, with his family beside him, the force announced tonight.
The 29-year-old man saved by the officer was also taken to hospital, where he remains, after suffering non-life threatening electrocution injuries.
Flags across the force will now be flown at half-mast in a mark of respect of the Sergeant who was hailed a ‘hugely respected and popular colleague’, whose ‘sacrifice will never be forgotten’.
Sergeant Graham Saville, 46, was hit by a train in Balderton, near Newark-on-Trent, after trying to help a man in distress. The officer sadly died today after sustaining serious injuries. Pictured: Officers are the scene on Thursday
The man saved by the officer was also taken to hospital after suffering non-life threatening electrocution injuries. Pictured: Police officers and railway workers near the scene in Balderton on Thursday
Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: ‘Today is a day of mourning for the entire police family.
‘Graham was a hugely respected and popular colleague and his death in the line of duty has come as an enormous shock to us all.
‘Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to his family and we will do everything we can to support them through this unimaginably devastating time.
‘It is impossible to put into words how devastating this news is for everyone who loved and respected Graham.’
She added: ‘On Thursday, he went to work to protect the people of Nottinghamshire from harm, and it is testament to his bravery and dedication as a police officer that he was fatally injured while attempting to save another man’s life.
‘His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
‘I would also like to pay tribute to the officers who attended the scene, some of whom provided immediate medical assistance while the ambulance was on its way.
‘This was a deeply traumatic incident for those officers and we have a dedicated team providing support to them.
Flags across the force will now be flown at half-mast in a mark of respect of the Sergeant who was hailed a ‘hugely respected and popular colleague’. Pictured: Officers at the scene on Thursday
‘When a colleague dies in the line of duty the shockwaves and sadness reverberate throughout the policing family and we will all deeply mourn our colleague.’
British Transport Police are currently leading an investigation into the incident, which they said happened on the line near Newark Northgate station.
Assistant Chief Constable Allan Gregory said: ‘This is truly devastating news and on behalf of everyone at British Transport Police I’d like to offer sincere and heartfelt condolences to Sergeant Saville’s family, and to our colleagues at Nottinghamshire Police.’
‘Detectives from BTP are conducting a full and thorough investigation in order to establish the full circumstances of what happened last week.
‘We remain in the very early stages of this investigation and we will be working alongside the Coroner’s Office as it progresses.
‘It is one of the darkest days in policing to lose an officer in the line of duty, and Sergeant Saville’s loved ones will be at the forefront of our minds throughout our enquiries.’
Tributes from the policing community and wider public have flooded social media.
A JustGiving fund, started by former policeman Dan Fletcher, who lives a mile away from the scene, had earlier raised more than £60,000
Over 3,330 supporters donated to the fund, with messages left by wellwishers hailing ‘an incredible act of selfless bravery’
Policing minister Chris Philp posted on X, formally known as Twitter: ‘I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sgt Graham Saville, following his brave work to save someone else’s life on a railway line.
‘He selflessly made the ultimate sacrifice. We will remember him. Our thoughts are with Graham’s family and colleagues.’
Meanwhile Head of the College of Policing, Chief Constable Andy Marsh, said following the death of Sergeant Graham Saville: ‘This is devastating news and my thoughts and condolences are with this brave officer’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.
‘It is a tragic reminder of the risks and bravery shown every day by our police officers and staff to keep the public safe.’
Announcing Sgt Saville’s death this evening, the force wrote on Twitter: ‘It is with great sadness that Nottinghamshire Police confirms the death of a serving officer in the line of duty.’
The Sergeant’s family have asked for privacy at this time.
A JustGiving fund, started by former policeman Dan Fletcher, who lives a mile away from the scene, had earlier raised more than £60,000.
Prior to the Sergeant’s death, Mr Fletcher wrote on the page: ‘This is an appeal to the community in order to assist the injured police officer and his family following a terrible ordeal whereby he has sustained life-altering injuries in the line of duty whilst saving the life of another individual.
‘This is the epitome of policing bravery. The long term outcome for the officer and his family and rehabilitation moving forward is going to be difficult and challenging. This fund will hopefully assist in many areas of their lives which they will now have to adapt and adjust considerably.
‘Please help us help this brave selfless officer and his family. Give what you can.’
Over 3,330 supporters donated to the fund, with messages left by wellwishers hailing ‘an incredible act of selfless bravery’.
For help, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
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