York police officer one of two dead in Bagby A19 crash

Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a "loving mum" and police officer who was struck by an HGV after she pulled over to help people who had been involved in a crash. One of the people she was helping, a 41-year-old family man, described as "a hardworking and loving father, husband, son and brother," was also killed. York based police officer PC Rosie Prior was travelling on the A19 at Bagby near Thirsk today (January 11) when she pulled over to help other motorists involved in a crash between a Ford Focus and an Audi just before 9am.

Tragically, as PC Prior stood at the side of the road with the driver of the Audi, Ryan Welford, 41, from Knaresborough, they were hit by a HGV. PC Rosie Prior. (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE) Both PC Prior and Ryan died at the scene - and a teenage boy from the Audi is in a serious but stable condition in hospital. The 65-year-old HGV driver, from Berwick-upon-Tweed, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but has been released under investigation.

The road was re-opened at 7.20pm. Tributes have now been paid to both PC Prior and Mr Ryan as an investigation into the incident begins. Her family have described PC Prior as "a loving mum, wife, daughter, sister, aunty and will be deeply missed".

PC Rosie Prior. (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE) The family of Ryan Welford's family paid tribute to their son, saying: "Ryan was a hardworking and loving father, husband, son and brother. "He will be greatly missed by his family and friends." Chief Constable Tim Forber of North Yorkshire Police added: "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.

Ryan Welford, 41. (Image: NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE) "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."

North Yorkshire Police is now appealing for any witnesses or dash cam footage from either of the collisions.

They said: "If you can help, please email [email protected] quoting reference number 12250006038."