Nottinghamshire Police mourning the death of hero Newark-based Sergeant Graham Saville, who was severely injured saving a life at Balderton

Nottinghamshire Police and the county are tonight mourning the death of the hero police officer who saved the life of a man on the railway at Balderton.

In the last few minutes, the force has announced the death of Sergeant Graham Saville.

Nottinghamshire Police said: “It is with great sadness that Nottinghamshire Police confirms the death of a serving officer in the line of duty.

“Sergeant Graham Saville, 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.”

The incident happened at the Bulpit Lane East Coast Mainline level crossing at Balderton just before 7pm on Thursday, August 24.

Sergeant Saville was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, the 46-year-old died on Tuesday, August 29, with his family at his bedside.

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

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.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the officers who attended the scene, some of whom provided immediate medical assistance while the ambulance was on its way.

“This was a deeply traumatic incident for those officers and we have a dedicated team providing support to them.

“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.”

Sergeant Saville’s family has requested that their privacy be respected.

More than £50,

An investigation into the incident, led by British Transport Police, is ongoing.