PC Callow (left) and PC Kitson (right)
Two Cambridgeshire officers whose routine patrol turned into a violent confrontation with an armed offender have been nominated for the 2026 Police Bravery Awards.
PC Callow and PC Kitson had carried out an unrelated vehicle stop in Headly Street, Cambridge, in March 2025 when two cyclists rode past, one of whom PC Kitson recognised.
He said: “I’d arrested him before and I think he recognised me straight away.
“Within moments, it went from recognising each other to him trying to escape.”
The suspect spun his bicycle and attempted to flee, prompting the officers to pursue on foot.
The chase ended abruptly when the suspect collided with a large plant pot and crashed to the ground.
But as the officers attempted to restrain him, the situation escalated dramatically.
PC Callow, who has been an officer for six years, said: “He suddenly reached into his trousers and pulled out a knife.
“I shouted ‘knife’ and grabbed his hand straight away.”
The officers grappled with the suspect and PC Callow managed to take possession of the weapon away and throw it clear.
However, during the struggle, he sustained a deep cut to his arm, though he did not immediately realise he had been stabbed.
PC Callow said: “He was quite a big lad. Both of us were holding onto him and he was still trying to get away.
“I noticed some blood and wasn’t sure if it came from him and if he had cut himself in pulling knife out.
“I then noticed the blood was coming from my arm, but obviously, we couldn’t let go of him.”
PC Kitson, 34, was able to radio for further assistance as the officers maintained control of the suspect and he was detained.
Following his arrest, the suspect was searched and found to be in possession of cash and quantities of controlled drugs consistent with supply, as well as a mobile phone identified as a ‘burner’ device linked to drug dealing.
PC Callow was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where he required plastic surgery to repair damage to his forearm.
“It was to repair some of the tissue in the arm that had been cut,” said PC Callow, 32. “Luckily it wasn’t deep enough to cause any nerve damage or loss of feeling to my hand.
“I’m glad it wasn’t worse. Of all the things that could’ve happened, it was probably an okay outcome.”
PC Callow returned to duty within weeks and has been left with a permanent scar.
The offender appeared in court later in 2025 and admitted offences including grievous bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of criminal property and possession with intent to supply controlled drugs. He was sentenced to six years and four months in prison.
The officers are modest about their nomination for a Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) Bravery Award.
PC Kitson, who has been an officer for eight years, said: “Incidents like this happen all the time but most of the time nobody gets injured. Unfortunately, on this occasion, PC Callow got stabbed.
“Every day officers across the force carry out duties that are worthy of recognition.”
Cambridgeshire Police Federation chair Liz Groom congratulated both officers on their nomination for the award.
She said: “They acted with the utmost professionalism and bravery throughout this incident.
“They were protecting and serving the public when they apprehended an offender who went on to stab PC Callow in the arm while being detained.”
Chief Constable Simon Megicks said: “Everyone here at Cambridgeshire Police is incredibly proud of them and everything they showed in difficult and demanding circumstances on that day last year.
“Their calm thinking and determination ensured a dangerous offender was taken out of the community, and this is the kind of service to the public policing is all about – and that only happens with outstanding officers like them.”