Police officer killed by train that caused disruption in Hampshire had been suspended
Tributes have been paid to the officer
A police officer who was killed by a train that caused disruption in Hampshire had been suspended and was facing a gross misconduct probe.
PC Alex Ayre, 24, was killed near Branksome in Dorset on Friday, September 25, resulting in hours of disruption for travellers.
British Transport Police (BTP) said there were no suspicious circumstances and his death would be the subject of an inquest.
The incident near Bournemouth caused disruption to trains between London Waterloo and Weymouth including Basingstoke, Winchester and Southampton stations in Hampshire.
Chief constable Rachel Farrell said: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm the death of serving Dorset Police officer.
"Alex, who was 24, joined Dorset Police on 27 June 2022 and worked in response covering the Boscombe and Bournemouth area.
"Having spent time talking to his team and officers and staff across Dorset Police, I know he was loved by his squad in Bournemouth South, as well as others he’d met during his four years here in Dorset.
"Our thoughts and condolences are very much with his family, and everyone affected by Alex’s death. Our priority has been and continues to be to support Alex’s family and all colleagues who worked alongside him."
The force has now referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over its handling of his suspension.
The officer was being investigated for gross misconduct in relation to his behaviour while off-duty, but the probe is understood to have been in the very early stages.
Chris Wood, Chair of Dorset Police Federation, said: “We are all incredibly saddened by the sudden loss of Alex. The thoughts of all at Dorset Police Federation are with his family, friends and close colleagues at this devastating time.
“The Federation team remains in constant contact with the Force and are supporting his colleagues as best as we can.”
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