The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire has paid tribute to the police officer killed in a crash yesterday (Saturday).
PC Rosie Prior, a response officer based in York, was standing on the verge of the A19 at Bagby, near Thirsk, on Saturday morning when she and two others were struck by an approaching heavy goods vehicle just before 9am.
Ms Prior and Ryan Welford, 41, from Knaresborough, who had been involved in the first collision, both died at the scene of the double crash.
A teenage boy who was a passenger in Mr Welford’s car was also struck and remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Today (Sunday), David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and Jo Coles, deputy mayor of policing, fire and crime said: “We are devastated by the news that North Yorkshire Police officer, PC Rosie Prior, and a member of the public, Ryan Welford, lost their lives on North Yorkshire’s roads yesterday.
“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.
“This remains a live investigation, with a member of the public still in a serious condition in hospital.
“We echo the Chief Constable’s request that these families are given privacy to grieve. We will remain in close contact with North Yorkshire Police to offer them any and all support.”
North Yorkshire Police said the driver of the HGV, a 65-year-old man from Berwick-upon-Tweed, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released under investigation.
The Major Collision Investigation Team is urging witnesses to either of the two collisions and motorists with relevant dashcam footage, to get in touch without delay.
Anyone with information is urged to email [email protected] quoting reference number 12250006038.