British Transport Police are investigating the death of a Nottinghamshire police officer who received fatal injuries on the East Coast Main Line near Newark Northgate station.

Sergeant Graham Saville, 46, had been trying to help another man on the track who was described as ‘distressed’, when he was hit by a train.

The incident, last Thursday, led to more police being called to the scene at about 19.00.

Sgt Saville was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, but he died yesterday.

Another man of 29 was also taken to hospital after suffering electrocution, although his injuries are not thought to be critical.

Nottinghamshire Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: ‘Today is a day of mourning for the entire police family.

‘Graham was a hugely respected and popular colleague and his death in the line of duty has come as an enormous shock to us all.

‘Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to his family and we will do everything we can to support them through this unimaginably devastating time.

‘It is impossible to put into words how devastating this news is for everyone who loved and respected Graham.

‘On Thursday, he went to work to protect the people of Nottinghamshire from harm, and it is testament to his bravery and dedication as a police officer that he was fatally injured while attempting to save another man's life.’

Nottinghamshire Police Federation branch chairman Simon Riley added: ‘I cannot convey in words the sadness we all feel at this dreadful news and our hearts go out to Graham's family, all his colleagues in Nottinghamshire Police and his former colleagues in the Metropolitan Police, where Graham previously served.

‘Graham was the epitome of what we should all strive to be as police officers and his selfless act of bravery in trying to save the life of another human being will not be lost on any of us.’