Family pay tribute to suspended Dorset PC Alex Ayre, 24, who died after being hit by a train

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 September 2026 · last updated 30 September 2026.

PC Alex Ayre, 24, died after being struck by a train near Branksome, Poole, on the morning of Friday 25 September — only days after his suspension pending a gross misconduct investigation into his off-duty behaviour. His family remembered him as a "much-loved son, grandson, big brother" whose absence had left a void "that can never be filled." British Transport Police confirmed that no suspicious circumstances are being considered and that an inquest will be opened when appropriate.

Dorset Police has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over its handling of Ayre's suspension.

Chief Constable Rachel Farrell stressed the misconduct probe was "in the very early stages" and that suspension "is not a presumption of wrongdoing."

His family said he was the "life and soul of the party" who could make "absolutely anyone laugh" — and vowed he would be "spoken about, laughed about, cried over and remembered for the rest of our lives."