Funeral of North Yorkshire police officer to take place at York Minster
800 people are excepted at the service to remember PC Rosie Prior
Last updated 13th Feb 2025
The funeral of a North Yorkshire police officer who died after being hit by a lorry is taking place today.
PC949 Rosie Prior died while on duty on Saturday 11 January in a road traffic collision which also resulted in the death of Ryan Welford from Knaresborough.
At 8.45am, PC Prior stopped to help members of the public following a separate collision involving two cars on the A19 southbound near Bagby.
Shortly afterwards, PC Prior, Ryan Welford and a passenger from Mr Welford’s vehicle were tragically struck at the roadside by a heavy goods vehicle. Sadly, both PC Prior and Mr Welford were pronounced dead at scene.
The driver of the HGV, a 65-year-old man from Berwick-upon-Tweed, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
PC Prior was 45 years old. Mr Welford was 41.
Speaking shortly after PC Prior’s death, North Yorkshire Police’s Chief Constable Tim Forber said “helping others was part of her DNA” adding: “She epitomised the very best of British policing and the values of North Yorkshire Police.”
About PC Rosie Prior’s role
PC949 Rosie Prior, who was born in Leeds, joined North Yorkshire Police in May 2022 as a student officer before joining the Response team in York. She joined to help people in their hour of need.
Response teams consist of uniformed police officers who respond to 999 calls and other emergencies. Among their duties is searching for and helping missing people including missing children – a part of the job PC Prior cared deeply about.
She had previously pursued a career in sales, working with EuroDirect (now part of Trans Union) where she met her husband, Chris. More recently, she ran a coffee van business before applying to North Yorkshire Police.
PC Prior was married with a young family.
Funeral arrangements
A full ceremonial police funeral takes place today (Thursday, 13 February) at York Minster
Key timings
• 09:15hrs: Doors open for funeral attendees.
• 10:15hrs: Attendees to be seated inside Minster.
• 10:15hrs - 10:20hrs: Chief Constable inspects the officers on parade.
• 10:30hrs - 10:45hrs: Cortege approaches Minster, led by a police piper and four police horses. The approach will be lined by North Yorkshire Police officers and flag bearers from every police force. The flag bearers will lower all standards together as the hearse approaches and all will be raised again after the last limousine passes.
• 10:50hrs: The Reverend Canon Timothy Goode approaches the cortege and signals permission for the pallbearers to remove PC Prior’s coffin and bring it into York Minster.
• 11:00hrs: Service begins.
• 12:30hrs-12:35hrs: Service due to conclude. Led by the Chief Constable, officers give the ‘Final Salute’ as the coffin is led away from the Minster. This is the formal farewell from the Chief Constable.
Family statement
In a statement Rosie’s husband Chris said: "On behalf of my family and I, I would firstly like to thank North Yorkshire Police and the Federation for their amazing support during this horrific time. I would like to specifically mention our Family Support Officers who have been fantastic.
The amount of support we have received from family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues and Rosie’s work colleagues proves that even in the darkest of times, the world does have amazing people in it. I would ask that the media allows the boys and I time to rebuild our lives, noting we will have a huge Rosie void in it, and as such we will not be making any further comments. Thank you."
Donations in memory
The family has invited guests and members of the public who wish to make a charitable donation in PC Prior’s memory to visit: Rosie Prior's Funeral - JustGiving
Funds are being raised for the Police Children’s Charity, which provides support to police families through adversity and was a charity PC Prior supported.