Wiltshire Police awards honour those who helped victims

The Wiltshire Police Force Awards highlighted the extraordinary efforts of local citizens and staff who went above and beyond during emergency situations. Ashton McCabe received the Chief Constable's Certificate of Recognition for Members of the Public for providing emergency first aid by applying pressure to the neck wound of a man who had been stabbed on Sidmouth Street in Devizes on June 29. Ashton directed bystanders to block traffic and clear the area, then - while responding officers Police Constable Nicola Crabbe and PCSO Kelly Watts struggled to detain the suspected attacker - Ashton helped apprehend him by restraining his legs.

Nicola and Kelly received a Chief Constable's Commendation for the way they responded to this incident, arriving at the scene after three calls from witnesses claimed that a man was chasing someone who was bleeding from the head. PC Crabbe and PCSO Watts approached the two men and separated them, not realising that the suspect had already stabbed the victim approximately three times - twice in the neck. The officers struggled with the suspect, who grabbed PC Crabbe's hair and assaulted her, though - with Mr McCabe's help - they kept him under control until backup arrived.

Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: "PCSO Watts' actions went far beyond what is expected of a Police Community Support Officer. "PC Crabbe and PCSO Watts' quick intervention and courage in an uncertain and dangerous situation resulted in the apprehension of an offender for attempted murder and saved the victim's life. "Both officers demonstrated immense bravery in dealing with the suspect, upholding the law, and protecting the public.

"Throughout this challenging incident, Ashton remained calm and provided essential assistance to the responding officers. "Thank you for your courage and vital support to the emergency services that day." Nicola also received an individual Chief Constable's Commendation for jumping into the Kennet and Avon Canal in Devizes on May 21 after a witness who saw a body in the water called 999.

Without hesitation, Nicola swam to the unconscious woman, pulled her through the cold water to the nearby bank, and lifted her out of the canal. Nicola and Kelly gave her CPR, but despite their best efforts and help from paramedics, the woman died in hospital later that day, surrounded by her close family. It transpired that the woman had suffered a medical episode whilst cycling on the canal path and fell into the water.

Chief Constable Roper added: "Although an extremely tragic situation and outcome, the actions taken by Nicola on that day allowed for a distraught family to say goodbye to their loved one. "Nicola acted without thinking about her own safety - in fact, she very much put the concerns for the public above her own. Her actions were nothing but courageous."

Elsewhere, Louise Terry received the Chief Constable's Certificate of Recognition for Members of the Public for her helping a cyclist who was hit by a van on the A4 between Avebury and Calne. On the evening of April 21, she pulled over and went to the cyclist's aid, immediately beginning CPR, then performed chest compressions and attempted resuscitation while on the phone with the ambulance service. Despite first aid from her and the paramedics, the cyclist died at the scene.

The van driver was arrested and later charged with causing death by careless driving. Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: "Louise's actions went beyond expectations. She at least gave the cyclist a chance of survival.

"Louise, your actions exemplify the highest standards of civic responsibility, deserving of our utmost admiration and recognition."