Special Sergeant Phillips and PS Carne

Two Hampshire officers are being commended for their exceptional bravery after confronting and disarming a knife wielding attacker during a violent incident in Southampton.

On 3 August 2025, Special Sergeant Phillips was on duty in the Southampton dock area, carrying out work with the Countrywatch Rural Crime Taskforce. Around midday, officers were deployed to Bevois Valley following reports that a man was brandishing a knife and attacking members of the public. Fearing a marauding knife attack, police raced to the scene.

Recognising the seriousness of the situation, Special Sergeant Phillips immediately diverted to the area to help protect the public and locate the suspect. On arrival, he quickly identified the attacker walking along the street with a large knife still in his hand and numerous members of the public nearby.

Special Sergeant Phillips engaged the suspect, repeatedly instructing him to stop and drop the weapon. When he refused, Phillips deployed PAVA spray, incapacitating him long enough to move in. PS Carne arrived moments later, and together the officers took hold of the suspect, disarmed him and placed him in handcuffs.

Their swift, decisive and selfless actions prevented the situation from escalating further. The suspect had already injured two people and attempted to harm five others. Police believe that without the intervention of Special Sergeant Phillips, the number of victims could have been significantly higher. The case concluded in court in January 2026, resulting in a successful prosecution.

Special Sergeant Phillips, who has just under six years of service as a special, demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism in the face of a rapidly unfolding and highly dangerous incident. His actions, alongside those of PS Carne, ensured the safety of the public and brought a violent offender into custody.

Hampshire Police Federation Chair Spencer Wragg said: “In policing we never know what will happen next or what the next call will be. This was so true on this sunny summer Sunday in August last year. To hear a job being deployed where several members of public had been stabbed and with the offender at large and still armed must have been really concerning for the responding officers.

“The immediate action Special Sergeant Phillips took prevented any further members of the public being injured, made sure that he and other responders were safe and also prevented any further harm to the suspect. Between himself and PS Carne they faced a volatile male, armed with a large knife, who was quickly and safely subdued.

“Running, or in this case driving, towards danger is something that officers of Hampshire and Isle of Wight do on a regular basis, and I commend both the sergeants for their actions.”

Chief Constable Alexis Boon said: “Special Sergeant Shane Phillips demonstrated exceptional courage that day, running towards a man carrying out a frenzied knife attack, without hesitation or thought for his own safety.

“His priority, along with that of PS Carne who came to assist him, was protecting others and there is no doubt that their bravery and decisive action during this terrifying and chaotic incident, helped to save lives.

“This is the reality of policing, never knowing what will confront us from one shift to the next, but being prepared to respond with courage during those critical moments, driven by our duty to protect others from harm.

“The extraordinary actions of Special Sergeant Phillips and PS Carne that day exemplifies the very best of policing and is a powerful reminder of the vital contribution made by our Special Constabulary colleagues in keeping people safe across our communities.

“I’m extremely proud to have them serving with us and to see them recognised in this way.”