Police officer hit by train while helping distressed man on railway tracks
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A police officer is in a serious condition after being hit by a train while trying to save a distressed man who was on the tracks.
Nottinghamshire Police said officers were deployed to a residential area in Balderton, near Newark-on-Trent, just before 7pm on Thursday, over concerns for a man’s safety.
An officer was hit by a train and left with serious injuries. He was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham.
The man on the railway lines was also injured and taken to hospital, but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
British Transport Police (BTP) are leading the investigation.
Chief Constable Kate Meynell, of Nottinghamshire Police, 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.”
In a statement, BTP said: “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.”
Immigration minister Robert Jenrick, Conservative MP for Newark, posted on Twitter: “My thoughts and prayers are with the Police officer critically injured in the line of duty at Newark station.
“Terrible incidents such as this remind us of the bravery of those serving in @nottspolice and police forces across the country.”
Simon Riley, chairman of the Nottinghamshire Police Federation, said: “The thoughts of Nottinghamshire Police Federation are very much with our injured colleague and his family.
“We are supporting a number of officers involved in the incident and will continue to do everything we can to support all of our members at this time.
“This incident highlights the bravery and dedication of our members in Nottinghamshire in serving our communities and keeping people safe.”
