Teen saved stabbed man and helped stop suspect

Ashton McCabe was given a police bravery award for his actions

A teenager has won a bravery award for saving the life of a man who had been stabbed in the neck.

Ashton McCabe, then aged 17, used first aid to treat the victim's wounds and helped police officers to restrain the suspect.

The incident led to the former Royal Air Force cadet wanting to become a police officer himself, for which he is due to start training next month.

Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper said Mr McCabe's "decisive actions reflect the very essence of policing, and his quick thinking undoubtedly played a vital role in saving a life".

On 29 June 2024, Mr McCabe had just finished work when he saw police officers wrestling a suspect armed with a knife.

He spotted another man covered in blood on the ground and ran to help.

As the struggle continued, Mr McCabe used a police 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.

Wiltshire Police said his "remarkable" actions helped minimise the victim's blood loss until an ambulance arrived.

The victim had two stab wounds to the neck and additional cuts, but survived thanks to Mr McCabe's "resourcefulness and courage", the force said.

The 18-year-old was given a silver award at the National Police Chief's Council annual Police Public Bravery Award on Thursday.

Ms Roper, who attended the ceremony with Mr McCabe, said it was a "privilege" to support him.

"Ashton is truly inspirational, and I am proud that he is due to join our policing family," she said.

"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," she added.