A hero police officer has died after being hit by a train while helping a 'distressed' man on the railway tracks.
Last Thursday (24 August) at around 7pm, Nottinghamshire Police were called to Balderton near Newark-on-Trent over concerns for a 29-year-old man's safety.
During the incident, response officer, Sergeant Graham Saville, ended up sustaining some very severe injuries after being struck by a train and was rushed to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham where he sadly passed away on Tuesday (29 August).
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The man he was assisting is reported to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Saville, 46, has been described by Chief Constable Kate Meynell has a 'hugely respected and popular colleague' whose death 'has come as an enormous shock to us all'.
In a statement, Meynell continued: "Today is a day of mourning for the entire police family."
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She said that it was '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."
An investigation into the incident has since been conducted by the British Transport Police (BTP).
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In a statement released Tuesday, BTP said: "Enquiries confirmed that the officer was struck by a train whilst responding to an incident involving concern for the welfare of a man.
"The man, a 29-year-old, sustained electrocution injuries, and was also taken to hospital where he remains with injuries which are not believed to be life-changing."
Assistant Chief Constable Allan Gregory, of BTP, said: "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."
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Further tributes have since flooded in for the hero response officer.
Simon Riley, Chair of the Nottinghamshire Police Federation branch, dubbed Graham as 'the epitome of what we should all strive to be as police officers'.
"I'm saddened to learn of the passing of Sergeant Saville," offered Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
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He continued: "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."
A JustGiving crowdfunder has since been started by Dan Fletcher, referred to locally as a former police officer, over the weekend to help Saville's family with 'rehabilitation' and 'moving forward'.
"This fund will hopefully assist in many areas of their lives which they will now have to adapt and adjust considerably," its description reads.
At the time of writing, the crowdfunder has raised over £79,000 with a target of £100,000.
Topics: UK News
Rhiannon Ingle