Heroic police officer was off duty when she was hit and killed by lorry while trying to help people at scene of crash
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A HEROIC police officer was off duty when she was hit and killed by a lorry while trying to help people at the scene of a crash. Rosie Prior, 45, was standing on a verge near Bagby, North Yorkshire, yesterday morning when she and two others were struck by a heavy goods vehicle.
![[Portrait of PC Rosie Prior, a North Yorkshire Police officer.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/response-officer-based-york-hit-963113026_b28935.jpg?strip=all&w=274)
The North Yorkshire constable came across the road collision on the A19 near the town of Thirsk. A senior officer has described her actions at the scene of the crime as "epitomising the very best of British policing". PC Prior died at the scene alongside a 41-year-old who had been involved in the first collision.
![[Photo of PC Rosie Prior.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/response-officer-based-york-hit-963113073_a350a0.jpg?strip=all&w=500)
The victim, Ryan Welford, from Knaresborough, is believed to have been driving a car involved and was standing on the verge when the HGV struck. A teenage boy remains in hospital in serious but stable condition after being a passenger in Welford's vehicle.
![[Man sitting at a restaurant table.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/response-officer-based-york-hit-963113072_ab273d.jpg?strip=all&w=480)
The 65-year-old driver of a HGV, from Berwick-upon-Tweed, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Cops have confirmed he has been released under investigation. Chief Constable Tim Forber paid tribute to PC Prior, who he said joined the force more than two years ago because “she wanted to help people”.
It comes amongst tributes for the police response officer from York who had pulled over to help motorists involved in the crash. The earlier crash involved a black Ford Focus and a silver Audi car, the latter being driven by Welford. It is thought PC Prior pulled over on an A-road near Thirsk around 8.55am to assist.
