An off-duty officer intervened to disarm and restrain a knife-wielding man, protecting members of the public during a volatile incident.

On an evening in 2025, Detective Constable Scott Swallow of Suffolk Police was driving home through Barningham after attending a pre-season football match with his 15-year-old son when he became aware of a disturbance unfolding nearby.

As they approached, he could hear a woman screaming in distress. It was later established that she was the suspect’s mother. A short distance away stood a male, believed to be in his twenties, shouting aggressively while holding a knife. He appeared to be heavily intoxicated through drugs and alcohol.

Recognising the immediate risk to those present, DC Swallow brought his vehicle to a stop at a safe distance and contacted emergency services, instructing his son to remain inside the car.

As the situation developed, he handed his phone to his son, who remained calm and composed, providing clear and continuous updates to the control room while DC Swallow monitored events from outside the vehicle.

The incident escalated when the suspect turned his attention towards DC Swallow, advancing towards him and making threats. Despite being off duty, DC Swallow remained focused on assessing the risk to those around him.

When a member of the public approached the suspect, placing themselves in immediate danger, DC Swallow made the decision to intervene. Acting quickly and in the interests of public safety, he and the member of the public engaged with the suspect, grappling with him in the road.

During the struggle, they were able to remove the knife from the suspect’s hand, eliminating the immediate threat. Together, they restrained the male and maintained control of him for approximately 20 minutes until on-duty officers arrived.

Throughout the restraint, the suspect continued to behave erratically, making threats and attempting to harm himself by striking his head against the road surface. DC Swallow remained focused on preventing further injury to both the suspect and others, while maintaining control of a highly dynamic situation.

The actions of DC Swallow ensured that an armed individual was safely disarmed and detained without further harm to the public. His willingness to intervene while off duty, in the presence of his son, highlights a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to protecting others.

His son also played a key role, remaining composed under pressure and providing accurate and timely information to the control room, supporting the safe resolution of the incident.

Both were later recognised for their actions, with DC Swallow receiving a Chief Constable’s Commendation and his son awarded a Chief Constable’s Certificate of Appreciation.

DC Swallow’s actions reflect the highest standards of policing, demonstrating composure, sound judgement and a clear commitment to safeguarding the public, regardless of whether he was on or off duty.

Ben Hudson, secretary of Suffolk Police Federation, praised Scott’s actions: “Scott’s response that evening exemplifies the very best of policing.  

“While off-duty and with his teenage son present, he was confronted with an extremely volatile and dangerous situation involving a knife.  

“Despite the personal risk, he acted decisively, professionally and with public safety at the forefront of his mind. His actions undoubtedly helped prevent further harm, and both Scott and his son are a credit to themselves and to Suffolk Police.” 

Chief Constable Rachel Kearton echoed Ben’s words: “Detective Constable Swallow’s actions are a powerful example of the courage and commitment our officers show, whether on or off duty.  

“Faced with a dangerous and unpredictable situation, he acted selflessly to protect others without hesitation. I am incredibly proud of the professionalism and bravery he demonstrated, and of the calm and responsible way his son supported him during such a challenging incident.”