Brave Nottinghamshire Police officer in critical condition after incident on East Coast Mainline near Bulpit Lane level crossing, Balderton, after responding to welfare concern call

A police officer is in a critical condition after being hit by a train near Newark last night while trying to help a vulnerable person.

British Transport Police said: “Officers were called to the line near Newark Northgate station, Newark-on-Trent at around 7.10pm last night (August 24) following reports of a casualty on the tracks.

“Following the initial report, British Transport Police learned the incident followed Nottinghamshire Police responding to a concern for welfare report.

“Officers attended alongside paramedics, where one man was found to have sustained non-life-threatening electrocution injuries, and another man, a Nottinghamshire Police officer, had sustained life-changing injuries and sadly remains in a critical condition. Both were taken to hospital where they remain.

“British Transport Police is continuing to make enquiries into the incident.”

BTP said that, contrary to many suggestions last night which the Advertiser stressed were unconfirmed and, no children were involved in the incident.

Nottinghamshire Police said its officer was in a serious condition after attempting to save a distressed man who was on the railway lines.

Police were deployed to a residential area in Balderton over concerns for a man’s safety just before 7pm.

During the incident, a police officer has been hit by a train and left with serious injuries. He has been transported to Queen’s Medical Centre.

The man on the railway lines is also injured but it is not thought his injuries are life-threatening. He was also transported to hospital.

Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: “This is a truly devastating incident that has left one of our officers very poorly in hospital. We are supporting his family and ensuring that he gets all the care and support he needs.

“This was also extremely traumatic for all those who attended the scene, some of whom provided immediate medical assistance while the ambulance was on its way.

“I would like to personally thank them for their quick and dedicated response to this incident.

“Officers and police staff put themselves in danger every day to keep the public safe and from harm and I personally want to say how eternally grateful and proud I am of them all.”