Force

A police sergeant killed on a railway line after trying to save a distressed man was " everything you want in an officer" a former colleague has said.

Sgt Graham Saville died on Tuesday after he in Balderton, near Newark, on Thursday.

The Nottinghamshire officer, 46,

Insp Simon Riley said his former colleague was a " caring, compassionate, strong, determined" officer.

Another man, 29, remained in hospital on Tuesday after suffering non life-threatening electrocution injuries.

Flags have been lowered to half-mast at police stations across Nottinghamshire in tribute to Sgt Saville.

Insp Simon Riley, chair of Nottinghamshire Police Federation, said he worked alongside Sgt Saville in Nottingham.

" It's fair to say that it's absolutely devastated The Force - from everyone who we've spoken and everyone who has contacted us. Everyone is deeply saddened [by The News ], " he told BBC Radio Four's Today programme.

" Graham was an officer under my command a few years ago when I was a response inspector in The City .

" He was everything you would want in a Police Officer . He was caring, compassionate, strong, determined and generally an all-round good professional Police Officer .

" [The Man in distress survived] which is testament to the actions of Graham Saville last Thursday evening. "

Insp Riley said other police officers who arrived at The Scene and witnessed The Incident before giving First Aid to The Men had been receiving support.

" It's indicative of the dangers that our members put themselves in - day-in, day-out, shift-in, shift-out - in order to protect The Public , " He Said .

" There were indeed A Number of colleagues present; unfortunately, they did witness The Incident and we have been providing support to them as you can probably understand it has been very traumatic to them. "

Insp Riley added: " The types of incidents that our members are called to are very often very dynamic, fast-paced and our members are expected to make decisions very quickly on the hoof.

" I'm sure in due course of The Investigation there may be things that we need to consider, there may be lessons that may need to be learned, but it's too early to be discussing those at the minute. "

Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell paid tribute to Sgt Saville, who She Said was a " hugely respected and popular colleague".

She added: " 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. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. "

Floral tributes have been laid outside Newark Police Station , where Sgt Saville worked as a response officer.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also paid tribute to Sgt Saville and said his thoughts were with The Officer 's family and colleagues.

He added: " I'm saddened to learn of the passing of Sgt 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. "

Nottinghamshire Police said it was called to a Residential Area at about 19:00 BST on Thursday after receiving reports about A Man 's safety.

Sgt Saville died at The Queen 's Medical Centre in Nottingham Five Days after he was taken to The Hospital .

BTP said its officers were continuing to investigate What Happened .

Source of news: bbc.com