A POLICE officer was killed after being struck by a train just two days after his arrest on suspicion of a sex offence.

Ged Swash, 41, of Billingham, worked in Cleveland Police’s vulnerable people protection unit and was also a governor at Barley Fields Primary School in Ingleby Barwick.

He died after being hit by a train on a level crossing near Cowpen Bewley, Billingham, last Tuesday (March 11).

Cleveland Police confirmed that he was a serving police officer and said: “We can also confirm that this officer had been arrested on the morning of Sunday March 9, following an allegation of a sexual offence on an adult female while off-duty.

“He was subsequently released on bail pending further inquiries.

“Specially trained family liaison officers are working with the family to support them in dealing with this tragic situation. Our thoughts are with the family, his friends and colleagues at this sad time.”

Mr Swash worked as a police constable in Hartlepool and was absent from work at the time of his death due to an injury he sustained while making an arrest off-duty.

He had not been suspended from work, despite the allegations, because he was on sick leave.

Graeme Leck, head teacher of Barley Fields Primary, sent a letter home to parents on Friday informing them of the news.

He said last night: “Ged was a much valued parent governor and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Emergency services were called to the level crossing at about 9.30pm on Tuesday, March 11 after being alerted by a train driver.

Mr Swash was declared dead at the scene. An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned yesterday (Monday, March 17).

A spokeswoman for the British Transport Police said that his death was not being treated as suspicious