Graham Saville: Funeral for police officer hit by train takes place

Hundreds of mourners have attended the funeral of an officer who died after being hit by a train as he tried to help a distressed man.

Sgt Graham Saville was struck while responding to concerns over a man's safety in Balderton, near Newark, Nottinghamshire, on 24 August.

The 46-year-old father of two died five days later in hospital.

The funeral for the Nottinghamshire Police officer was held at Southwell Minster on Monday.

More than 50 of Sgt Saville's policing colleagues formed a guard of honour at the cathedral.

The funeral service, which included a procession from The Burgage to the Minster, was led by Major Pamela Ralph-Barratt of the Salvation Army and assisted by the Rev Paul Rattigan.

Opening the service, Major Ralph-Barratt described Graham as "one of a kind", who was "thoughtful and caring".

"He was a team player and an amazing role model," she said.

"He was respected and always gave people credit when credit was due."

Ahead of the funeral, Sgt Saville's family said they had been "deeply touched" by the messages of support they had received since his passing.

"At this tragic time it's very difficult to find the right words to express the sadness and loss that we feel as a family," they said.

"Graham had a gentle character and genuinely cared.

"He was dependable, respected, compassionate, supportive, with a quirky sense of humour.

"These qualities made him an excellent police officer, but also a great person to have in your life.

"He would never have thought of himself as being brave or a hero, he was a policeman who just got on with what needed to be done and very much loved his job and the challenges he faced every day.

"Graham leaves behind a void that can never be filled, but we are immensely proud of everything he has done both personally and professionally.

"He'll be in all of our hearts forever and never forgotten."

Chief Constable Kate Meynell said the number of officers at the funeral was testament to how "well-respected" Mr Saville was among his colleagues.

"This has been an extremely difficult time," she said.

"The loss of such a popular and well-respected colleague has affected all of us, especially those closest to him.

"I am also proud of how many colleagues have come together today to stand in solidarity, shoulder to shoulder, in remembering Graham.

"He was an exceptional police officer and we will continue to honour his memory."

Sgt Saville was a response sergeant based at Newark Police Station before his death, and had previously been a response officer at Radford Road Police Station.

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

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