Student officer who tackled knife offender representing Suffolk at Bravery Awards

7 July 2025

A student officer who tackled an offender brandishing a knife at a free family music event will represent Suffolk Police Federation at the national Bravery Awards this week.

Branch chair Darren Harris has sent a good luck message to PC Eva Palmer ahead of event, which is hosted annually by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).

Eva had been a Suffolk Police officer for just 11 months when the incident happened last year.

PC Eva Palmer.

She said her priority was to ensure public safety as she chased the offender through crowds of festival goers and along busy streets in Ipswich town centre.

The suspect was eventually detained in St Margaret’s Street, and a Rambo-style knife was recovered.

Eva’s actions have been described as ‘textbook’ and resulted in her nomination for a National Police Bravery Award.

Darren said: “Eva acted in the finest traditions of policing, selflessly putting herself in harm’s way to protect the public.

Quick thinking

“There were a lot of people on the streets of Ipswich, enjoying a summer evening and the festival, and there was the potential for the situation to escalate.

“Eva’s bravery and quick thinking brought the incident to a safe and swift conclusion and ensured that no one was harmed.

“On behalf of Suffolk Police Federation and our members, I wish her all the best at the awards.”

The Police Federation of England and Wales Bravery Awards will take place in London on Thursday (10 July).

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