Officer hit by train while helping ‘distressed’ man has died

Nottinghamshire Police said it was with “great sadness” that it confirms the death of a serving officer in the line of duty.

Officers had been deployed to a residential area in Balderton over concerns for a man’s safety just before 7pm on Thursday (August 24).

Nottinghamshire Police said during the incident, Sergeant Graham Saville, a response officer based at Newark police station, was hit by a train and left with serious injuries.

He was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, the 46-year-old died on Tuesday (August 29) with his family at his bedside.

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

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.”

Nottinghamshire Police Federation branch chair Simon Riley said: “I cannot convey in words the sadness we all feel at this dreadful news and our hearts go out to Graham’s family, all his colleagues in Nottinghamshire Police and his former colleagues in the Metropolitan Police Service, where Graham previously served.

“Graham was a much valued and respected colleague and his passing will resonate deeply throughout policing, not just in Nottinghamshire, but across the whole policing family.

“Graham was the epitome of what we should all strive to be as police officers and his selfless act of bravery in trying to save the life of another human being will not be lost on any of us. His selfless sacrifice will never be forgotten.

“Our thoughts are also with the officers who attended the scene with Graham last Thursday evening and I would like to publicly pay tribute to them for their professionalism and for the medical assistance they gave him.  They are also the best of us and we will continue to provide all the support to them that we can.

“Finally, above all else, Graham was a family man and I cannot even begin to comprehend the sense of loss that his family will be feeling right now.  I would request that his family’s request for privacy is respected.”

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, chief executive officer of the College of Policing, said: “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.”

Nottinghamshire Police said Sgt Saville’s family has requested that their privacy be respected.

An investigation into the incident, led by British Transport Police, is ongoing.