Wiltshire teenager wins Silver at Police Public Bravery Awards
Ashton McCabe was one of many people from across the country to be recognised
A teenager has been celebrated at the National Police Chiefs’ Council annual Police Public Bravery Awards with a silver award.
Ashton McCabe, 18, was among dozens of members of the public recognised yesterday, for their extraordinary and selfless acts of courage in dangerous and frightening situations across the UK.
Among the awards presented on the night was the Silver Award, which was presented to Wiltshire's Ashton McCabe at The Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield.
In June last year, Ashton, then aged 17, had just finished work when he saw a police car pull over and officers begin to wrestle with a suspect armed with a knife. He spotted another man covered in blood on the ground and moved towards the danger to help.
Ashton, a former Royal Air Force cadet, was carrying a first aid kit, which he used to treat the man’s neck wounds. Understanding that the officers needed to focus on detaining the suspect, he asked a member of the public to retrieve cones from the police car to stop traffic. He also obtained the police car’s first aid kit to find better supplies.
As the struggle with the suspect continued, Ashton managed to assist by obtaining the nearest officer’s leg restraints and wrapped them around the suspect’s legs—while continuing to apply pressure to the victim’s wounds with his other hand.
His remarkable actions helped minimise blood loss until an ambulance arrived and assisted in detaining the suspect. The victim had two stab wounds to his neck and additional cuts, but survived thanks to Ashton’s resourcefulness and courage.
The experience cemented Ashton's desire to join the police force.
He said: "During the incident and post reflection I was struck by the sense of community by the police officers and how they wanted to look after their own and the public around them.
"From that day I was sure policing was for me and I am about to start training next month and I want to thank everyone for their support.
"I especially would like to thank the officers who were there that day including PC Nicky Crabbe and PCSO Kelly Watts."
Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: “It is a privilege to support Ashton McCabe, whose nomination at a national level recognises his remarkable bravery.
"Ashton is truly inspirational, and I am proud that he is due to join our policing family. His decisive actions reflect the very essence of policing, and his quick thinking undoubtedly played a vital role in saving a life.
"His courage embodies the highest standards we strive for at Wiltshire Police, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to Ashton for his passionate dedication to the communities we serve.”
More than 30 medals and 19 certificates were presented throughout the evening, including to another Wiltshire resident, Michael Griffiths who was awarded a certificate of commendation for his act of bravery in September last year. Mr Griffiths was in a pharmacy in Melksham when a man entered holding a large kitchen knife. He proceeded to steal items before running off. Mr Griffiths took it upon himself to give chase before the offender got into a vehicle and ran away. Mr Griffiths took a photo of the vehicle and registration plate which led to officers locating the offender and he later pleaded guilty in court.