Brave off-duty officer confronts knife-wielding man to protect public

6 May 2026

An off-duty Suffolk Police officer has been nominated for a national Police Bravery Award after confronting and helping to restrain a knife-wielding man during a dangerous and fast-moving incident.

Detective Constable Scott Swallow, 38, who has served with Suffolk Police for six years, was driving home through Barningham following a midweek pre-season football match with his 15-year-old son, Jayden, when he became aware of a disturbance unfolding nearby.

As they approached, Scott could hear a woman screaming and behaving hysterically. He later learned she was the suspect’s mother. Just metres away from her stood a man believed to be in his twenties, shouting aggressively while brandishing a knife. He appeared to be heavily under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Recognising the immediate risk to those present, Scott stopped his vehicle at a safe distance and called 999, instructing his son to remain inside the car.

Realising the seriousness of the threat, Scott handed his phone to Jayden, who calmly and clearly provided live updates to the police control room while his father monitored the unfolding situation from outside the vehicle.

 

DC Scott Swallow (centre) with his son Jayden and Chief Constable Rachel Kearton.

 

As the situation escalated, the man turned his attention towards Scott, advancing and shouting threats.

“Of course, it would have been easy to drive past,” said Scott, who had noticed that the mother’s car had been stabbed multiple times during the incident. “But this is my job. Even though I was off-duty, it was no different.”

When a nearby neighbour approached the suspect, placing themselves at risk, Scott decided to intervene. Acting decisively and in the interests of public safety, Scott and the neighbour grappled with the man. During the struggle, they were able to remove the knife from the suspect’s hand.

Together, they restrained the man and pinned him in the road, maintaining control for approximately 20 minutes until on-duty officers arrived.

Throughout the restraint, the suspect continued to shout threats and repeatedly attempted to harm himself by head-butting the road.

Prevent further injury

“My focus was on preventing further injury - to him and to others - while keeping the situation under control,” Scott said.

Jayden remained composed throughout the ordeal and was later awarded a Chief Constable’s Certificate of Appreciation for his actions. Scott was also formally recognised for his bravery and professionalism with a Chief Constable Commendation.

Scott said he was particularly proud of his son, adding that Jayden ‘did everything right’ by staying calm under pressure and providing clear, accurate information to the control room during a highly volatile incident.

This summer, Scott will represent Suffolk Police Federation at this year's Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) Bravery Awards.

Best of policing

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.

"On behalf of everyone here at Suffolk Police Federation, I wish him the very best of luck at this year's national award ceremony."

Courage and commitment

Chief Constable Rachel Kearton echoed Ben’s words: “Scott’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.”

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