A pair of dedicated officers placed themselves in significant danger to detain and disarm an armed offender.

March 2025, PC Callow and PC Kitson were on Headly Street in Cambridge when they observed two individuals riding pedal cycles towards them. PC Kitson recognised one of the males.

Upon being identified, the suspect turned his bicycle around and attempted to flee the area. Suspecting he was involved in drug supply and in possession of controlled substances, both officers immediately pursued him on foot.

The officers quickly closed the distance, with PC Callow managing to grab hold of the suspects coat. During the pursuit, he lost control of his bicycle after colliding with a large plant pot and fell to the ground. A struggle ensued as both officers attempted to detain him.

During the physical confrontation, PC Callow observed that the suspect was in possession of a large knife, which he produced from his trousers. Despite this, both officers continued their efforts to restrain and disarm him.

PC Callow alerted PC Kitson to the presence of the knife while continuing to engage with the suspect. During the struggle, PC Callow sustained a deep laceration to his arm, although he was initially unaware of the full extent of the injury, continuing to fight to detain the suspect despite being wounded.

The officers maintained control of the suspect as he fell into nearby bushes during the struggle. PC Callow managed to throw the knife away from the immediate area, preventing the suspect from regaining access to the weapon.

PC Kitson, upon noticing PC Callow's injuries and that the suspect was also bleeding, called for urgent assistance, believing his colleague had been stabbed.

Additional officers arrived promptly and provided first aid to PC A until ambulance crews and medics attended the scene.

Following his arrest, the suspect was searched and found to be in possession of cash and quantities of controlled drugs consistent with supply, as well as a mobile phone identified as a ‘burner’ device linked to drug dealing.

PC Callow was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital where he received treatment for a deep laceration to his left forearm, requiring plastic surgery to repair the damage. Despite the seriousness of the injury, he returned to duty within weeks and has been left with a permanent scar.

The suspect later appeared in court in 2025, where he admitted offences including grievous bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of criminal property and possession with intent to supply controlled drugs. He was sentenced to six years and four months’ imprisonment.

Throughout the incident, PC Callow and PC Kitson demonstrated determination, resilience and a clear commitment to protecting the public. Despite being faced with an armed and violent suspect, they continued to engage, ultimately disarming and detaining him in a public place.

Their actions prevented further harm and removed a dangerous individual from the community, reflecting the highest standards of policing and dedication to duty.

Cambridgeshire Police Federation Chair Liz Groom said, "PC Callow and PC Kitson acted with the upmost professionalism and Bravery throughout this incident. They were protecting and serving the public when they apprehended an offender who went on to stab PC Callow in the arm whilst being detained.

"PC Callow wears the physical and emotional scars of this injury every day but was back at work within weeks of the injury such is his dedication to duty. Both of their actions highlights the sacrifice officers make every single day and across the UK to keep the public safe. They are both a credit to our force and to Policing."

Chief Constable Simon Megicks said: “I would like to congratulate PC Callow and PC Kitson on their nomination and wish them the best of luck in the awards.

“Everyone here at Cambridgeshire Police is incredibly proud of them and everything they showed in difficult and demanding circumstances on that day last year.

“Their calm thinking and determination ensured a dangerous offender was taken out of the community, and this is the kind of service to the public policing is all about, and that only happens with outstanding officers like them.”