Suspended PC dies after being hit by train

A police officer under investigation for gross misconduct has died after being struck by a train.

PC Alex Ayre, who served with Dorset Police in Bournemouth and Boscombe, died near Branksome, Poole, on the morning of Friday 25 September.

The 24-year-old, whose death is not being treated as suspicious, was suspended while an investigation took place into his behaviour while off duty.

In a statement Ayre's family said he was important "to many people" and losing him had left a space in their lives that "can never be filled".

"Alex, you were such a handsome, charming young man, with a personality that drew people to you," they said.

"You had such a way of making people feel welcome, accepted and included, no matter who they were."

Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said Ayre was "loved by his squad in Bournemouth South", as well as others since starting with the force in 2022.

She said: "Prior to his death, Alex was the subject of a gross misconduct investigation in relation to behaviour off duty and was suspended.

"It is important to note that suspension is not a presumption of wrongdoing, and the misconduct investigation was in the very early stages."

She said Ayre's family were being supported by family liaison officers and were aware a misconduct investigation was under way.

Dorset Police Federation said it was in constant contact with the force and had been supporting Ayre's colleagues.

Chair Chris Wood said the federation was "incredibly saddened by the loss" and encouraged those in need of support to contact its welfare team.

Dorset Police said an inquest would be opened into Ayre's death, which is being investigated by British Transport Police.

A mandatory referral has also been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).