Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s 2026 national Police Bravery Awards nominees ‘honoured’ to be invited to exclusive reception at Downing Street ahead of the annual ceremony.
Outstanding duo PC Rob Callow and PC Piers Kitson were nominated for the Bravery Awards after their heroics arresting an armed suspect in Cambridge in March 2025.
Before the ceremony in London this evening, the pair began their special day with an exclusive reception at 10 Downing Street.
Here, they were addressed by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who gave her thanks to nominated officers from across England and Wales for their exceptional acts of courage.
Speaking afterwards, Rob said: “It’s been a busy morning, but it was a very nice reception made even nicer by the weather we’ve got.
“It was good to have a look around parts of No. 10 and the staff were very friendly. The Home Secretary gave a short speech congratulating us all and saying what a great job we’d done, as well as how much she appreciates the job we continue to do.”
Echoing these comments, Piers added: “It was just an honour to be invited to something like that, and to be part of it with so many other police officers who have done such good things.”
Rob and Piers, who are joined in London by partner Isobel and fiancée Jess respectively, went on to describe how proud they were to share the occasion with their loved ones.
“It’s really nice – Isobel supported me a lot when the incident happened, so it’s nice to be able to repay her for that by bringing her along on this special day, and share all of this with her,” Rob continued.
Piers said: “It’s lovely to have Jess with me. She’s in the Force herself so she knows how much we all give to this job.
“Not many people get to go to Downing Street, so for us to have been there and share that experience together was a proud moment.”
Turning their attention to the highly anticipated Bravery Awards ceremony, Piers shared how he was excited to ‘hear everyone else’s stories’, while Rob also looked ahead to spending time with the other nominees and ‘doing something a bit different together than what we’re all used to’.
Branch chair Liz Groom reiterated her pride in the two officers, believing them fully deserving of the recognition coming their way.
“Once again, I’d like to wish Rob and Piers all the best for today, and it’s great to hear they are already enjoying their Bravery Awards experience before tonight’s proceedings,” Liz said.
“To secure an armed suspect in the way they did was absolutely exceptional and displayed complete dedication to policing and public safety. Their Federation is very proud of them, and I hope they continue getting all the fuss and attention they deserve today.”