Nottinghamshire Police officer hit by train while helping 'distressed' man has died

A Nottinghamshire police officer has died after being hit by a train while attempting to save a distressed man.

Sergeant Graham Saville, 46, a response officer based at Newark Police Station, was injured in Balderton just before 7pm on Thursday 24 August.

He was taken to hospital with serious injuries, and the force confirmed this evening that he died today with his family by his bedside. In a statement they said,

"It is with great sadness that Nottinghamshire Police confirms the death of a serving officer in the line of duty."

Flags across the force will now be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has paid tribute saying, "I’m saddened to learn of the passing of Sergeant Saville."It is a testament to his bravery that he died in the line of duty and a terrible reminder of the work the police do every day to keep us safe."My thoughts are with his family, friends and the whole of Nottinghamshire Police Force."

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.

“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.

“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.”

The British Transport Police say the man being helped by Sergeant Graham Saville was a 29-year-old who sustained electrocution injuries.

He was also taken to hospital where he remains with injuries which are not believed to be life-changing.

Detectives from BTP are continuing to investigate the full circumstances of what happened.

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.”

The Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she offers her "deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of Sergeant Graham Saville.

"We owe our police officers an immense debt of gratitude for their bravery while protecting us all."

Newark MP Robert Jenrick says "Sergeant Graham Saville selflessly gave his life to save someone else.

"All of us in Newark salute his exceptional bravery and self sacrifice, which won’t be forgotten. My thoughts are with his partner and children and all his colleagues at Nottinghamshire Police."

A fundraiser set up following the incident reached its target today (Tuesday 29 August) of £50,000.