Tributes paid to fallen police officer Sgt Graham Saville

31 August 2023

Tributes have been paid to Nottinghamshire Police Officer Sgt Graham Saville – who died on Tuesday (29 August) from injuries sustained on duty when he was struck by a train saving the life of another man.  

The thoughts of all at Surrey Police Federation are with his family friends and colleagues.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "I’m saddened to learn of the passing of Sergeant Saville.

"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."

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: "I offer my deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of Sergeant Graham Saville, who has lost his life after saving a man in distress on a railway line.

"We owe our police officers an immense debt of gratitude for their bravery while protecting us all."

Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party, said: "My thoughts are with the loved ones of Sergeant Graham Saville... His bravery, selflessness and dedication to public service will be remembered."

Simon Riley, Chair of Nottinghamshire Police Federation, said: “I cannot convey in words the sadness we all feel at this dreadful news and our hearts go out to Graham’s family, all his colleagues in Nottinghamshire Police and his former colleagues in the Metropolitan Police Service, where Graham previously served.

“Graham was a much valued and respected colleague and his passing will resonate deeply throughout policing, not just in Nottinghamshire, but across the whole policing family.

“Graham was the epitome of what we should all strive to be as police officers and his selfless act of bravery in trying to save the life of another human being will not be lost on any of us. His selfless sacrifice will never be forgotten.

“Our thoughts are also with the officers who attended the scene with Graham last Thursday evening and I would like to publicly pay tribute to them for their professionalism and for the medical assistance they gave him. They are also the best of us and we will continue to provide all the support to them that we can.

“Finally, above all else, Graham was a family man and I cannot even begin to comprehend the sense of loss that his family will be feeling right now.  I would request that his family’s request for privacy is respected.”

Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: “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.

“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.”

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