A team of dedicated officers put themselves at considerable risk to attempt to save a driver trapped on a live railway line.

On a Friday in July 2025, a call was received reporting a collision on York Place in Harrogate, where a vehicle had left the road and come to rest on the railway tracks below.

PC Mike Halstead was the first officer to arrive at the scene and discovered the vehicle at the bottom of a steep embankment, overturned on the railway line. The incident presented an immediate and serious risk not only to the driver but also to any approaching rail traffic. The embankment was heavily overgrown, making access to the tracks difficult and hazardous.

Working alongside colleagues from the fire service, PC Halstead helped to establish spotters along the railway line in both directions to monitor for oncoming trains. PCs Alex McGee and Anthony Grant-Marston from the Firearms Support Unit also attended to provide Tactical Medical support.

Despite being advised by Network Rail that it was unsafe to enter the tracks, and fully aware of the potential danger to themselves, PCs Halstead, McGee and Grant-Marston made the decision to access the railway line to provide urgent life-saving assistance to the casualty.

The driver was carefully extracted from the overturned vehicle and carried up the steep embankment towards the Stray by officers and fire service personnel. Once in a safer location, PCs McGee and Grant-Marston immediately began providing TacMed.

PC Halstead commenced CPR while a defibrillator was prepared, with fire service colleagues assisting to establish and maintain an airway. The defibrillator delivered multiple shocks as officers continued sustained resuscitation efforts.

Upon arrival, ambulance crews worked alongside the officers and other emergency services to continue advanced life-saving treatment. Despite the determined and coordinated efforts of all those involved, the driver could not be saved.

Throughout the incident, the officers demonstrated professionalism, teamwork and a clear commitment to preserving life in extremely challenging and high-risk circumstances. Their willingness to act decisively, despite the personal danger posed by entering a live railway environment, reflects the highest standards of policing and public service.

North Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Rob Bowles said, “The selfless actions of Mike Halstead, Alex McGee, and Ant Grant-Marston were in the best traditions of British Policing, They put their lives at risk, going onto the railways tracks, to try to save the life of a member of the public. They are a credit to North Yorkshire Police”.

Chief Constable Tim Forber of North Yorkshire Police said, “The actions of PC Mike Halstead, PC Alex McGee and PC Anthony Grant-Marston, exemplify the very best of policing in our country. They showed remarkable courage, professionalism, and dedication in what was undoubtedly a dangerous and unpredictable situation.

“Their willingness to put themselves in harm's way to help someone in need reflects the highest standard of our service to the community and the ideals of our force as a whole. I am immensely proud of their actions and delighted to see their bravery recognised through this nomination.”