North Yorkshire Policewoman one of two killed in A19 crash
PC Rosie Prior and 41 year old Ryan Welford from Knaresborough died in the collision near Bagby on Saturday morning
Last updated 1st May 2025
A policewoman from North Yorkshire who'd stopped to help victims of a crash on the A19 close to Thirsk has ben killed in a further collision.
She and the occupants of two cars that had pulled-over after a smash near to Bagby just before 9am on Saturday were hit by a lorry.
PC Prior and 41 year old Ryan Welford from Knaresborough died at the scene.
A teenager who was a passenger in one of the vehicles from the earlier crash is seriously injured but stable in hospital.
The driver of the HGV who's 65 an from Berwick-upon-Tweed has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and released by police under investigation.
North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Tim Forber's paid tribute to his colleague: “It is with profound sadness to confirm the death of PC Rosie Prior on Saturday morning who was tragically killed while helping at the scene of a separate collision on the A19 near Bagby.
“We are doing everything we can to support Rosie’s family, along with the family of a man who was also tragically killed in the incident.
“This is clearly a deeply traumatic and heartbreaking event for everyone involved and we ask that the two families are left alone to grieve in peace. They do not want any media outlets to contact or approach them.
“Rosie’s response team colleagues in York, and from around the force, are being supported at this extremely difficult time.”
PC Prior - who was based at York - joined the force as a student officer in May 2022.
Her family describe her as "a loving mum, wife, daughter, sister, aunty and will be deeply missed."
Mr Welford's family say he was a "hardworking and loving father, husband, son and brother. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends."
Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed either of the collision, especially anyone who might have dashcam footage of the incidents.