A HEROIC police officer was off duty when she was hit and killed by a lorry while trying to help people at the scene of a crash.
Rosie Prior, 45, was standing on a verge near Bagby, North Yorkshire, yesterday morning when she and two others were struck by a heavy goods vehicle.
Police HandoutChief Constable Tim Forber has paid tribute to the police officer who was tragically killed in a road collision yesterday[/caption]
Police HandoutPC Rosie Prior, a response officer based in York, was hit by a heavy goods vehicle on the A19[/caption]
Police HandoutRyan Welford was struck by the same HGV when standing on the verge near the first road collision[/caption]
The North Yorkshire constable came across the road collision on the A19 near the town of Thirsk.
A senior officer has described her actions at the scene of the crime as “epitomising the very best of British policing“.
PC Prior died at the scene alongside a 41-year-old who had been involved in the first collision.
The victim, Ryan Welford, from Knaresborough, is believed to have been driving a car involved and was standing on the verge when the HGV struck.
A teenage boy remains in hospital in serious but stable condition after being a passenger in Welford’s vehicle.
The 65-year-old driver of a HGV, from Berwick-upon-Tweed, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Cops have confirmed he has been released under investigation.
Chief Constable Tim Forber paid tribute to PC Prior, who he said joined the force more than two years ago because “she wanted to help people”.
It comes amongst tributes for the police response officer from York who had pulled over to help motorists involved in the crash.
The earlier crash involved a black Ford Focus and a silver Audi car, the latter being driven by Welford.
It is thought PC Prior pulled over on an A-road near Thirsk around 8.55am to assist.
North Yorkshire Chief Constable Tim Forber said: “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.
“They do not want any media outlets to contact or approach them.
“Rosie’s response team colleagues in York, and from around the force, are being supported at this extremely difficult time.”
Her family have described PC Prior as “a loving mum, wife, daughter, sister, aunty and will be deeply missed”.
She joined North Yorkshire Police as a student officer in May 2022.
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.”
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