18-year-old helmed as hero joins the Police force

3 November 2025

Ashton, 18, has been helmed as a hero for supporting an arrest

An 18-year-old from Swindon has been helmed as a hero after assisting police in arresting a suspect and saving a life.

On 29 June 2024, Ashton, then aged 17, had just finished work when he saw a police car pull over and officers begin to wrestle with a suspect armed with a knife. He spotted another man covered in blood on the ground and moved towards the danger to help.

Ashton, a former Royal Air Force cadet, was carrying a first aid kit, which he used to treat the man’s neck wounds. Understanding that the officers needed to focus on detaining the suspect, he asked a member of the public to retrieve cones from the police car to stop traffic. He also obtained the police car’s first aid kit to find better supplies.

As the struggle with the suspect continued, Ashton managed to assist by obtaining the nearest officer’s leg restraints and wrapped them around the suspect’s legs—while continuing to apply pressure to the victim’s wounds with his other hand.

His remarkable actions helped minimise blood loss until an ambulance arrived and assisted in detaining the suspect. The victim had two stab wounds to his neck and additional cuts, but survived thanks to Ashton’s resourcefulness and courage.

The experience cemented Ashton's desire to join the police force.

He said: "During the incident and post reflection I was struck by the sense of community by the police officers and how they wanted to look after their own and the public around them.

"From that day I was sure policing was for me and I am about to start training next month and I want to thank everyone for their support.

"I especially would like to thank the officers who were there that day including PC Nicky Crabbe and PCSO Kelly Watts."

Ashton has been celebrated at the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) annual Police Public Bravery Awards with a silver award.

Chief Constable Catherine Roper attended the ceremony with Ashton. She said: “It is a privilege to support Ashton McCabe, whose nomination at a national level recognises his remarkable bravery.

"Ashton is truly inspirational, and I am proud that he is due to join our policing family. His decisive actions reflect the very essence of policing, and his quick thinking undoubtedly played a vital role in saving a life.

"His courage embodies the highest standards we strive for at Wiltshire Police, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to Ashton for his passionate dedication to the communities we serve.”