Tributes pour in for Sergeant Graham Saville

30 August 2023

Tributes have been pouring in for Sergeant Graham Saville.

Sergeant 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 in Balderton on Thursday 24 August.

He was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, the 46-year-old sadly died on Tuesday 29 August.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was “saddened to learn of the passing of Sergeant Saville”.

He said: “It is a testament to his bravery that he died in the line of duty and a terrible reminder of the work the police do every day to keep us safe.

“My thoughts are with his family, friends and the whole of Nottinghamshire Police Force.”

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “My thoughts this evening are with the loved ones of Sergeant Graham Saville, who today tragically died in the line of duty.

“His bravery, selflessness and dedication to public service will be remembered.”

Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, said she offered her “deepest condolences to the family and Nottinghamshire Police colleagues of Sergeant Graham Saville”.

She added: “We owe our police officers an immense debt of gratitude for their bravery while protecting us all.”

Yvette Cooper, the Shadow Home Secretary, described it as “devastating news”.

She said: “Thinking of all the family, friends and colleagues of Sergeant Graham Saville at this difficult time and of the bravery he showed to help save others.

“Thinking of Nottinghamshire Police and the whole policing family who will be affected by this.”

Robert Jenrick, the MP for Newark, whose constituency includes Balderton, said: “Sergeant Graham Saville selflessly gave his life to save someone else.

“All of us in Newark salute his exceptional bravery and self sacrifice, which won’t be forgotten.

“My thoughts are with his partner and children and all his colleagues at Nottinghamshire Police.”

Policing Minister Chris Philp said: “I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sergeant Graham Saville, following his brave work to save someone else’s life on a railway line.

“He selflessly made the ultimate sacrifice. We will remember him. Our thoughts are with Graham’s family and colleagues.”

British Transport Police (BTP) is leading an ongoing investigation into the incident.

Assistant Chief Constable Allan Gregory expressed his “sincere and heartfelt condolences”.

He 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.”

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, of the College of Policing, said: “This is devastating news and my thoughts and condolences are with this brave officer’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time. 

“It is a tragic reminder of the risks and bravery shown every day by our police officers and staff to keep the public safe.”

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