PC Rosie Prior was attending the scene of another crash by the A19 at Bagby, near Thirsk, on Saturday morning when she and two others were hit by a lorry, North Yorkshire Police said
A police officer who was killed after being hit by a lorry has been described as “the very best of us”.
PC Rosie Prior was standing by the A19 at Bagby, near Thirsk, on Saturday morning when she and two others were hit by a lorry, North Yorkshire Police said. She was helping at the scene of another crash.
Ryan Welford, 41, also died at the scene. A teenage boy who was a passenger in Welford’s car remains 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. Police said he was released under investigation.
On Sunday, David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor of policing, fire and crime, released a joint statement paying tribute to PC Prior. They said: “We are devastated by the news that North Yorkshire Police officer, PC Rosie Prior, and a member of the public, Ryan Welford, lost their lives on North Yorkshire’s roads yesterday.
“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.
“This remains a live investigation, with a member of the public still in a serious condition in hospital.
“We echo the Chief Constable’s request that these families are given privacy to grieve. We will remain in close contact with North Yorkshire Police to offer them any and all support.”
In a statement to North Yorkshire police, 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.”
The Major Collision Investigation Team is urging witnesses to either of the two collisions and motorists with relevant dashcam footage to get in touch. Anyone with information is urged to email mcit@northyorkshire.police.uk quoting reference number 12250006038.
