A 24-year-old police officer who died after being struck by a train had been suspended while facing a gross misconduct investigation.
PC Alex Ayre is understood to have been hit by a train near Branksome, Dorset, on Friday morning.
Dorset Police said the officer, who joined the force in June 2022, was being investigated over alleged off-duty behaviour. He had been suspended from duty before his death.
The force has referred its handling of the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Dorset Police Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: ‘It is with great sadness that we can confirm the death of serving Dorset Police officer Police Constable Alex Ayre.
‘The investigation into Alex’s death is being led by British Transport Police, who have confirmed his death is not being treated as suspicious…
‘An inquest will be opened in due course by HM Coroner.
‘Prior to his death Alex was the subject of a gross misconduct investigation in relation to behaviour off duty and was suspended from duty.
PC Alex Ayre, 24, is understood to have been hit by a train near Branksome, Dorset, on Friday morning
‘It is important to note that suspension is not a presumption of wrongdoing, and the misconduct investigation was in the very early stages.
‘As is mandatory in these circumstances, a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), and we welcome any transparent review.’
PC Ayre’s family has paid tribute to the young officer following his death.
His mother, Leah, and sister, Chloe, said in a statement: ‘None of us ever imagined we would be having to say goodbye to you so soon.
‘Losing you has left a space in our lives that can never be filled.
‘You were a much-loved son, grandson, big brother, little brother, nephew, cousin, best friend and such an important person to so many people.
‘You were deeply loved and respected by your family, friends, colleagues, childhood friends and by so many people whose lives you crossed along the way.
‘Alex, you were such a handsome, charming young man, with a personality that drew people to you.
‘You had such a way of making people feel welcome, accepted and included, no matter who they were.
‘You were always there for people, always happy to help, always thinking about how other people were feeling, and always someone people knew they could turn to when they needed you.
‘You were the life and soul of the party, the cheeky one who could make absolutely anyone laugh. You brought so much laughter, warmth and personality wherever you went.’
‘You were the best cousin and nephew anyone could have asked for, and you meant so much to every part of your family.
‘There are so many people who have their own memories of you – funny stories, nights out, childhood memories, work stories, ridiculous moments and conversations that will now mean more than ever. That is the mark you left on people.
‘We would give anything to have more time with you, Alex. There were so many more memories still meant to be made.
‘Twenty-four years will never feel like enough, but you filled those years with so much love, laughter and friendship.
‘You will be spoken about, laughed about, cried over and remembered for the rest of our lives.
‘Forever our son. Forever our grandson. Forever our brother. Forever our nephew. Forever our cousin. Forever our Alex.’
Chief Constable Rachel Farrell told Our News Outlet: ‘It is with great sadness that we can confirm the death of serving Dorset Police officer police constable Alex Ayre.
‘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 investigation into Alex’s death is being led by British Transport Police, who have confirmed his death is not being treated as suspicious.
‘An inquest will be opened in due course by HM Coroner.
‘Prior to his death Alex was the subject of a gross misconduct investigation in relation to behaviour off duty and was suspended from duty.
‘It is important to note that suspension is not a presumption of wrongdoing, and the misconduct investigation was in the very early stages.
‘As is mandatory in these circumstances, a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), and we welcome any transparent review.
‘Alex’s family continue to be supported by family liaison officers and are aware that a misconduct investigation was underway.’
A spokesman for British Transport Police said: ‘We were called at around 9.20am on Friday to reports of a casualty on the tracks in the Branksome area.
‘Officers responded with paramedics, however sadly a person was pronounced dead at the scene.
‘Following a number of enquiries the incident is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.’
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