A police officer has died after being hit by a lorry while helping stranded motorists.
PC Rosie Prior had been attending to the aftermath of a crash involving a Ford Focus and an Audi on the A19 near Bagby in North Yorkshire.
While standing at the roadside with those involved, a heavy goods vehicle collided with the group. PC Prior died alongside the Audi’s driver, Ryan Welford, 41, from Knaresborough. The incident also left a teenager travelling in the Audi hospitalised in a serious but stable condition.
The collision occurred at around 9am today, and the affected area was cleared by 7.20pm. At approximately 7.20pm, the scene of the accident reopened, following the recovery of two cars and the HGV involved.
Tributes to PC Prior have been pouring in with Chief Constable Tim Forber expressed his deep sorrow, stating: “It is with profound sadness to confirm the death of PC Rosie Prior on Saturday morning who was tragically killed while helping at the scene of a separate collision on the A19 near Bagby.
“We are doing everything we can to support Rosie’s family, along with the family of a man who was also tragically killed in the incident. This is clearly a deeply traumatic and heartbreaking event for everyone involved and we ask that the two families are left alone to grieve in peace,” reports the Mirror.
“To say we are completely devastated would be an understatement; Rosie was not only an exemplary officer but she was a cherished and much-loved part of our police family – her response team colleagues in York, and others across the force, are receiving assistance during this incredibly trying period.”
The family of Mr. Welford also released a heartfelt statement, expressing their sorrow: “Ryan was a hardworking and loving father, husband, son and brother. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.”
A Berwick-upon-Tweed man, aged 65 and the driver of the HGV, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and subsequently released under investigation.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter LANCS LIVE NEWS and get all the biggest stories from across Lancashire direct to your inbox