A police officer who was hit by a train while trying to save a distressed man on the tracks has died.
Sergeant Graham Saville, 46, suffered serious injuries after being struck in Balderton, near Newark-on-Trent, shortly before 7pm last Thursday, August 24.
The response officer, based at Newark Police Station, was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre, where he died surrounded by family at his bedside on Tuesday.
The other man on the railway lines was also taken to hospital with what are thought to be non-life-threatening electrocution injuries.
An investigation into the incident is being led by British Transport Police.
Nottinghamshire Police 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.’
Flags across the force will now be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect.
Head of the College of Policing, Chief Constable Andy Marsh, 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.’
Policing minister Chris Philp posted on X, previously known as Twitter: ‘I’m 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 & colleagues.’
Robert Jenrick, MP for Newark – whose constituency includes Balderton, also took to X to pay tribute to the sergeant’s ‘exceptional bravery’.
He said: ‘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 @nottspolice.’
Sergeant Saville’s family has requested that their privacy be respected, the force said.
Ms Meynell also paid tribute to officers who attended the scene, some of whom provided ‘immediate medical assistance’ while waiting for an ambulance.
‘This was a deeply traumatic incident for those officers and we have a dedicated team providing support to them,’ she said.
‘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 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.’
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