A police officer has died after being hit by a train while trying to save a distressed man on the tracks, Nottinghamshire police have said.
British Transport Police said they were called to the line near Newark Northgate station at about 7.10pm on Thursday evening after reports of a casualty on the tracks.
Sgt Graham Saville, 46, a response officer based at Newark police station, sustained serious injuries when he was hit by a train as he attempted to save a distressed man.
He was taken to Queen’s medical centre in Nottingham, but died on Tuesday with his family at his bedside.
The chief constable of Nottinghamshire police, 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.”
Nottinghamshire police said in a statement that flags across the force would be flown at half mast as a mark of respect.
Rishi Sunak joined the tributes to Saville’s “bravery” and posted on X, previously known as Twitter: “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,” the prime minister added.
Another man was found at the station with non-life threatening electrocution injuries after the incident, which is the subject of an investigation led by British Transport Police.
Saville’s family requested that their privacy be respected, the force said.
More than £70,000 has been raised to assist Saville’s family by a fundraiser started by Dan Fletcher, referred to locally as a former police officer.
“The long-term outcome for the officer and his family and rehabilitation moving forward is going to be difficult and challenging,” he said. “This fund will hopefully assist in many areas of their lives which they will now have to adapt and adjust considerably.”
