Dorset PC killed by train was facing gross misconduct probe
A 24-year-old Dorset police officer, PC Alex Ayre, died after being struck by a train while under investigation for gross misconduct. Dorset Police have referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to ensure a transparent review.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the internal pressures within law enforcement and the mandatory oversight protocols triggered by the death of an officer under investigation.
Alex Ayer, 24 (Image: Dorset Police) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. A Dorset police officer who died after being struck by a train had been suspended from duty amid a gross misconduct investigation.
PC Alex Ayre, 24, is understood to have jumped in front of a train near Branksome, last Friday morning.
The police officer, who joined the force in June 2022, was being investigated for gross misconduct in relation to his behaviour while off-duty and had been suspended prior to his death, Dorset Police have confirmed,
The force has since referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over its handling of the matter.
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