Hero police officer tragically dies after rescuing ‘distressed man on tracks’

A police officer has tragically died after he attempted to rescue a ‘distressed man on railway tracks’.

Sergeant Graham Saville, 46, suffered serious injuries after being struck by a train as he tried a save a distressed man. Sadly, Nottinghamshire Police have confirmed that he has now died.

The incident happened in Balderton just before 7pm on Thursday August 24th.

Sergeant Saville, a response officer based at Newark police station, was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre but sadly passed away in hospital on Tuesday with his family by his bedside, police said.

The 29-year-old man Sergeant Saville was assisting is believed to have injuries that are not life threatening.

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

Nottinghamshire Chief Constable Kate Meynell said in a statement: “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.”

She continued: “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.”

An ongoing investigation into the incident is being led by British Transport Police (BTP).

​​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.”

In a further statement, 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.”

A fundraiser was started by Dan Fletcher at the weekend – who is referred to locally as a former police officer – for Mr Saville’s family. Its target is set as £100,000 and is currently at over £85,000.