Colleagues gather to remember police officer hit by lorry

Police officers have gathered to pay their respects following the death of a colleague who was hit by a lorry [1].

Dozens of people stood outside the North Yorkshire Police headquarters in Northallerton on Monday to remember PC Rosie Prior, who died on Saturday, 11 January.

Chief Constable Tim Forber gave an address, before a minute's silence and a reading by the force chaplain Rev Philip Rogerson.

Officers across the country held similar events.

Chief Constable TIm Forber, centre, led a memorial address. Credit: North Yorkshire Police

Mr Forber had earlier told ITV News PC Prior's death had left her family, friends and colleagues "devastated".

"Rosie epitomises the very best of British policing," he said. "She put the safety of others before her own safety."

PC Prior, a mother of two, was off duty when she stopped at the scene of a crash involving a black Ford Focus and a silver Audi on the A19 near Thirsk at 8.55am on Saturday.

She was standing on the verge with the driver of the Audi, Ryan Welford, and a passenger when they were hit by a lorry.

Pc Prior, 45, and 41-year-old Mr Welford, from Knaresborough, died at the scene. The passenger was seriously injured.

Ryan Welford also died in the crash. Credit: North Yorkshire Police

PC Prior had been a response officer in York for two-and-a-half years.

"She joined the police because she wanted to help people," Mr Forber said.

"She got out [of her car] and, like many police officers up and down the country, put herself on duty."

Chair of North Yorkshire Police Federation Rob Bowles said: "Rosie was the best of British policing. On Saturday, she demonstrated that when she stopped - off-duty - to assist a member of the public.

"Throughout Rosie's career, she truly exemplified public service and was a credit to North Yorkshire Police.

"She will be missed by everyone who knew and worked with her.

Our heartfelt thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this extremely sad time."

The lorry driver, a 65-year-old man from Berwick-upon-Tweed, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released under investigation.

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References

^ a colleague who was hit by a lorry (www.itv.com)