A senior officer has praised an off-duty policewoman tragically killed by a lorry while assisting at the scene of a crash, stating she “epitomises the very best of British policing”. North Yorkshire Police constable Rosie Prior was on the verge of the A19 at Bagby, near Thirsk, on Saturday morning, having come across a crash, when she and two others were hit by a heavy goods vehicle (HGV).
PC Prior and Ryan Welford, 41, from Knaresborough, who was involved in the initial collision, both sadly died at the scene. A teenage boy, a passenger in Mr Welford’s car, was also hit and is currently in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
The driver of the HGV, a 65-year-old man from Berwick-upon-Tweed, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been released under investigation, according to North Yorkshire Police. You can get more story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Ryan Welford was also killed at the scene
(Image: PA Media)
Chief Constable Tim Forber paid tribute to York-based response officer PC Prior, who joined the force over two years ago with the intention to “she wanted to help people”. Speaking outside Fulford Road police station on Sunday, he said: “Yesterday morning, she wasn’t on duty on a shift, she was off duty, and she came across the road traffic collision on the A19 and she stopped to help.”
“She got out and like many police officers up and down the country put herself on duty.”
“And it was whilst dealing with that incident that she was tragically killed. Rosie epitomises the very best of British policing, she put the safety of others before her own safety.”
He expressed his thoughts are with the family of Mr Welford, describing it as a “deeply traumatic and heart-breaking event for everyone involved”. PC Prior’s family portrayed her as “a loving mum, wife, daughter, sister, aunty” who will be “deeply missed”.
North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Tim Forber
(Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
David Skaith, mayor of York and North Yorkshire and Jo Coles, deputy mayor of policing, fire and crime, expressed their devastation. Their statement read: “Our hearts are broken for them and their families. ” “Rosie’s commitment to serving the public, even when off duty, shows she was the very best of us.”
“Our thoughts are also with the entire North Yorkshire Police family, who we know will be deeply mourning their colleague.”
“We especially want to thank officers and staff who worked at the scene and are supporting those affected by this tragedy.”
Mr Welford’s family said: “Ryan was a hardworking and loving father, husband, son and brother. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.”
A floral tribute at the crash scene
(Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
General view of the A19 near Bagby in North Yorkshire
(Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
The Police Federation of England & Wales extended its “deepest condolences” to the family and friends of Pc Prior and Mr Welford.
The scene of the collision reopened at around 7.20pm on Saturday. Two cars and the lorry have been recovered and debris has been cleared.
North Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to come forward following the collisions.
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