Tributes paid to Sergeant Graham Saville who died saving a distressed man’s life

Sergeant Graham Saville 

Tributes have been paid to a ‘brave’ and ‘well-respected’ police officer who died in the line of duty trying to save a distressed member of the public.

An inquest into the death of Sergeant Graham Saville has been held at Nottingham Council House and concluded on Friday 13 June.

The inquest heard how Graham died after being hit by a train as he tried to help a distressed man in Balderton near Newark on August 24, 2023.

The coroner delivered a narrative verdict.

Temporary Chief Constable Steve Cooper said: “What happened on August 24 continues to affect us all.

“Graham has been described by his colleagues as dependable, respected, compassionate and supportive. These qualities made him an excellent police officer.

“We would like to again express our thanks to the critical care team at the Queen’s Medical Centre, his colleagues, the ambulance crew that attended and the policing family for their kind support and all they have done for Graham.

“As a force we will continue to ensure that Graham, his service and sacrifice is never forgotten.”

Graham had started as a response sergeant based at Newark Police Station just a short time before his death.  

He started his career with the Metropolitan Police in 2013, before transferring to Nottinghamshire Police in February 2017.

The majority of his time at the force was spent as a response officer at Radford Road Police Station.

Following Graham’s death, additional training has been provided to police officers and control room staff about the dangers of entering railway lines.

The force has also built a colour coded map system into its control room that highlights all railway lines and which number to directly contact.

These numbers are checked and tested regularly.

Chief Superintendent Claire Rukas, force lead for corporate services, said: “The Health and Safety Executive carried out an investigation into our force systems and practice following Graham’s death.

“We have taken their investigation extremely seriously. Staff safety is paramount, and we have therefore swiftly addressed the important points they have raised.

“This has included updating our practices and offering further training to our workforce about the dangers of entering railway lines.

“Throughout the inquest, we have deployed a force representative to listen carefully to the inquest and all concerns raised.

“We have been fully invested in this process because we want to make sure we operate in the safest way possible.

“We have just received the coroner’s findings and will reflect on all the points she has raised. We will take all the necessary steps to keep the public and our officers safe.

“We know the full impact Graham’s death has caused across the whole organisation and our thoughts continue to be with his family and friends.”