Police officers who confronted a man brandishing a running chainsaw during a

PC Matthew Reynolds, PS Peter Williams and PC Gareth Green

disturbance in Bridgend have been praised for their “exceptional bravery” after bringing the incident to a safe conclusion.

On 24 July 2024, Team Two from Bridgend responded to a 999 call in the Wildmill area, a location long associated with high levels of antisocial behaviour and crime, and subject to a Clear, Hold, Build strategy. The call reported a disturbance at a property, with items being thrown into the street. When officers arrived, they were met with a chaotic and volatile scene.

A well known male, carrying multiple warning markers for violence, drugs, and weapons, had self harmed and was covered in blood. He shouted threats at members of the public and at officers from within his property. Several windows had been smashed.

Moments later, the situation escalated dramatically when the man produced a chainsaw, activated it, and began brandishing it both inside the property and towards officers through the broken windows.

Police Sergeant Peter Williams arrived as the Acting Bronze Inspector and immediately took control. An experienced leader known for leading from the front, he quickly assessed the unfolding danger, directed his officers to strategic positions, and engaged directly with the man.

Despite the obvious risk of an active chainsaw being revved and swung towards him through shattered glass, he remained calm, professional, and focused on preventing harm to the public, his officers, and the man himself.

The subject was clearly under the influence of substances and behaving erratically. Throughout the confrontation, Williams and his team maintained their composure, managing both the individual and the wider scene with discipline and restraint.

As the man continued to threaten them with the chainsaw, Williams recognised that the incident could only be brought to a safe conclusion by subduing him. With considerable personal risk, he deployed his Taser through the smashed window, stopping the man from harming anyone further.

As soon as the Taser took effect, PC Matthew Reynolds forced entry through the barricaded door, took possession of the still running chainsaw, and detained the subject.

PC Gareth Green had moments earlier attempted to reason with the man through the window while he was still holding the chainsaw, and had used his red dot from his Taser to support Williams during the critical moments of the confrontation.

The teamwork displayed by the officers was exemplary. Their actions demonstrated clear leadership, exceptional bravery, and a shared determination to protect the public in the face of a life threatening weapon.

The male was prevented from harming anyone and was subsequently arrested and charged. The judiciary later commented positively on the leadership shown by PS Williams during the incident.

Chief Inspector Matthew Rowlands said: "The team that day ran towards danger, putting their own safety at risk, and there is no doubt that their quick actions saved this person’s life, or prevented serious injury.

"It is another example of the dangers and risks faced every day by our officers in doing their job.

"It also shows the actions they take to protect and serve the public."

South Wales Police Federation Secretary Michael George said: “As Branch Secretary, I am immensely proud to recognise the outstanding bravery, leadership, and professionalism shown by PS Peter Williams, PC Matthew Reynolds, and PC Gareth Green during this exceptionally dangerous incident.

"Faced with a volatile and life‑threatening situation involving an active chainsaw, they acted with calm judgement, discipline, and unwavering commitment to protecting the public and each other.

"Their actions exemplify the very best of policing — courage under pressure, strong leadership, and effective teamwork - and reflect great credit on themselves, their colleagues, and the wider organisation.”

Body worn video footage from the scene captures the full extent of the danger, the professionalism of the officers, and the courage required to bring the incident to a safe conclusion. It stands as compelling evidence of the bravery and teamwork shown by PS Peter Williams, PC Matthew Reynolds, and PC Gareth Green on that day.