A police officer has been branded as a hero after succumbing to injuries he sustained while trying to save a man in distress from train tracks.

46-year-old Sergeant Graham Saville from the UK was called to a residential area near Newark-on-Trent, England, on Thursday evening after concerns were raised for a man’s safety.

After arriving on the scene, the officer approached the man and attempted to help him. In the process, he was hit by a passing train.

Following the accident, Saville was rushed to Queen’s Medical Centre where he succumbed to his injuries with his family by his side.

According to the reports, the unnamed man in distress, 29, was also taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

As of this writing, it remains unclear what the man was doing on the train tracks and what circumstances led to the fatal accident.

The police force has since paid tribute to the late cop saying he was “hugely respected and popular” and that his “sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

“Today is a day of mourning for the entire police family. Graham was a hugely respected and popular colleague and his death in the line of duty has come as an enormous shock to us all,” Chief Constable Kate Meynell said.

“Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to his family and we will do everything we can to support them through this unimaginably devastating time.

“It is impossible to put into words how devastating this news is for everyone who loved and respected Graham.”

The chief constable went on to say that Saville was killed while trying to save another man’s life in a “deeply traumatic” incident.

“When a colleague dies in the line of duty the shockwaves and sadness reverberate throughout the policing family and we will all deeply mourn our colleague,” Meynell added at a press conference.

“I have been personally overwhelmed by the public’s comments and tributes.”

Our thoughts remain with Saville’s loved ones during this challenging time.