North Yorkshire: Police officer dies after collision near Thirsk

A police officer in North Yorkshire tragically died after being struck by a truck while assisting at the scene of an earlier traffic accident. The incident occurred on Saturday morning at 08:55 GMT, along the A19 road at Bagby, near Thirsk. At the time, Officer Rosie Pryor was standing by the roadside with the driver and passenger of a car involved in an earlier collision.

Officer Pryor and Ryan Welfare, a 41-year-old man from Knaresborough who was involved in the first accident, both died at the scene. The 65-year-old truck driver from Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumberland was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has since been released under investigation.

A teenage passenger in Mr. Welfare's car is currently in hospital receiving treatment, and is in serious but stable condition. North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Tim Forber stated, "It is with profound sadness that we confirm the tragic death of Police Officer Rosie Pryor on Saturday morning. This is an extremely painful and heart-breaking event for all involved."

Officer Pryor’s family described her as a “loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt who will be deeply missed.” Mr. Welfare's family stated that he was a "hard-working and loving father, husband, son and brother. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.”

Police have issued an appeal for witnesses and drivers with dashcam footage to contact them via email at mcit@northyorkshire.police.uk, quoting reference number 12250006038.