A Wiltshire police officer has been recognised nationally for her extraordinary bravery during two separate incidents in Devizes last summer.
PC Nicola Crabbe, of the Devizes Neighbourhood Policing Team, has been shortlisted for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025 – an honour that highlights acts of exceptional courage and selflessness in the line of duty.
The first of the two incidents occurred on the morning of 21st May 2024, when PC Crabbe responded to a distressing 999 call. A person had been spotted motionless, floating face-down in the Kennet and Avon Canal near a bridge in Devizes. Acting without a second thought, PC Crabbe removed her operational kit and leapt into the water to attempt a rescue.
“I jumped in, and with the help of my PCSO colleague, we managed to get her out and began CPR,” PC Crabbe explained. “Although she later died in hospital, she regained consciousness for long enough that her family could say goodbye.”
A little over a month later, on 29th June 2024, she was called to a violent and chaotic scene in Devizes town centre. A man had been spotted chasing another down the high street – the pursued man bleeding heavily from multiple stab wounds. When PC Crabbe and her colleague arrived, they discovered the two men in the middle of a fight outside a butchers on Sidmouth Street.
With no taser and limited equipment, PC Crabbe immediately stepped in to separate them. She detained the attacker, who was still armed with a knife. The assailant was later arrested, charged with attempted murder, and sectioned under the Mental Health Act following trial.
Recalling the scene, PC Crabbe said: “It was a hot Saturday afternoon, the town was busy, and I wasn’t taser trained – but I knew I had to act. A member of the public pointed out the knife and we went in. There wasn’t time to think about anything else.”
Thanks to swift action by PC Crabbe and members of the public who rushed to help, the victim – airlifted to hospital – later made a full recovery.
Wiltshire’s Chief Constable, Catherine Roper, praised the officer’s courage, saying: “In both incidents, PC Crabbe showed unwavering dedication to public safety. Her bravery and quick thinking saved lives and reflected the very best of British policing. She acted with selflessness, composure, and genuine care for those she serves.”
While humbled by the nomination, PC Crabbe admitted it was bittersweet. “It’s a huge honour to be recognised, but someone lost their life. It’s important to shine a light on the good work police officers do every day, even when the headlines don’t always reflect that.”
The winners of the National Police Bravery Awards 2025 will be announced on Thursday 10th July during a ceremony in west London.
