North Yorkshire Police officer killed in road crash 6 January 2013 Last updated at 05:22 A police officer has died in a road crash while he was on an emergency call in North Yorkshire. The officer was killed when his patrol car struck a tree in the village of West Tanfield, near Ripon, on Saturday. North Yorkshire Police confirmed the accident happened at about 19:00 GMT and the officer was pronounced dead at the scene. "This is terrible and tragic news," said Temporary Chief Constable Tim Madgwick. The officer was the only occupant of the vehicle when it crashed. Mr Madgwick added that his family had been informed and were being given support by specially trained officers. "The thoughts of everyone at North Yorkshire Police are with [them] at this sad and very difficult time," he said. The road was closed for several hours as collision investigators examined the scene and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.