An off-duty policewoman, tragically killed by a lorry while aiding at the scene of a crash, "epitomises the very best of British policing", said a senior officer.
Constable Rosie Prior of North Yorkshire Police was standing by the A19 at Bagby, near Thirsk, on Saturday morning after encountering a road accident, when an HGV struck her and two others. Pc Prior and Ryan Welford, 41, from Knaresborough, who had been in the initial collision, were pronounced dead at the location. A teenage boy, a passenger in Mr Welford's vehicle, was also hit and is currently hospitalised in a serious but stable condition.
The HGV's driver, a 65 year old man from Berwick-upon-Tweed, has been detained on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but is now released under investigation, as per North Yorkshire Police. Chief Constable Tim Forber extolled York-based response officer Pc Prior, declaring she had joined the force over two years back with the desire to "help people".
Speaking outside Fulford Road police station on Sunday, he recounted:“Yesterday morning, she wasn’t on duty on a shift, she was off duty, and she came across the road traffic collision on the A19 and she stopped to help.
“She got out and like many police officers up and down the country put herself on duty.
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“And it was whilst dealing with that incident that she was tragically killed. Rosie epitomises the very best of British policing, she put the safety of others before her own safety.”
He expressed his thoughts are with Mr Welford's family, describing it as a "deeply traumatic and heart-breaking event for everyone involved". Pc Prior’s family portrayed her as "a loving mum, wife, daughter, sister, aunty" who will be "deeply missed".
David Skaith, mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and Jo Coles, deputy mayor of policing, fire and crime, expressed their devastation. Their statement read: "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."
Mr Welford’s family described him as: "Ryan was a hardworking and loving father, husband, son and brother."
"He will be greatly missed by his family and friends."
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper commented on X: "I’m deeply saddened by the deaths of Pc Rosie Prior and Ryan Welford yesterday."
"Thinking of their families & friends and all Pc Prior’s colleagues at this incredibly difficult time. It is a tragic reminder of the dedication & bravery police officers show each day to keep us safe."
The Police Federation of England & Wales extended its "deepest condolences" to the loved ones of Pc Prior and Mr Welford, following the tragic collision that led to their deaths. The road where the accident occurred was reopened at about 7.20pm on Saturday.
The vehicles involved, two cars and a lorry, have been removed and the area cleared of debris. North Yorkshire Police are now calling for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward as part of their investigation.
