Fundraiser for family of police officer hit by train while trying to help someone has reached £100,000

A fundraiser has been set up to help the family of a police officer who died after being hit by a train while trying to help a ‘distressed’ man on the tracks.

Nottinghamshire Police were called to Balderton near Newark-on-Trent last week over concerns for a 29-year-old man’s safety.

Sergeant Graham Saville sustained severe injuries while responding to the incident after being struck by a passing train.

He was rushed to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham where he sadly passed away this week.

Chief Constable Kate Meynell called Sergeant Saville a ‘hugely respected and popular’ police officer and his 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.”

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.”

Friends, colleagues and people all across the UK have banded together to help the officer’s family cope in the wake of the tragedy.

A JustGiving page has seen more than £105,000 donated so far.

Dan Fletcher started the online fundraiser and he said: “This is the epitome of policing bravery.

“This fund will hopefully assist in many areas of their lives as they now come to terms with the tragic outcome.

“Hopefully one day in time it may help them move forward and bring them some comfort.”

An investigation into the incident has since been conducted by the British Transport Police (BTP).

In a 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.”

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.”