Bravery award for Northamptonshire Police officer shot while taking down gunman armed with knife

Force salutes sergeant, who says 'I was just doing my job'
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A Northamptonshire Police officer said he was 'just doing my job' after receiving a bravery award for rescuing an elderly couple by taking down a man armed with a knife and a gun despite being shot in the head.

Sergeant Dave Cayton was one of seven regional winners at the National Police Bravery Awards ceremony in Central London — which followed a reception at Downing Street — on Thursday night (December 9).

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He collected his award from National Police Chiefs' Council chair Martin Hewitt.

PS Cayton, who was part of the Kettering Response team at the time of the incident, said: “It was humbling and daunting to be even nominated for an award, and even more so to see the magnitude of the event last night.

“I still don’t feel I’ve done anything brave, and it was very humbling to have the NPCC chair presenting me with the award and to meet the policing minister Kit Malthouse.

"But the best bit was when fellow nominees and winners came up to say well done and shake my hand.

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"That support from others in the same boat as me really hit home. It was an honour to be in such amazing company.”

Sgt Dave Cayton receives his bravery award from Martin HewittSgt Dave Cayton receives his bravery award from Martin Hewitt
Sgt Dave Cayton receives his bravery award from Martin Hewitt

Northamptonshire Chief Constable Nick Adderley and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold were among those present to see Sgt Cayton honoured.

Mr Adderley said: “I am so proud of Dave, and over the moon his remarkable actions have been recognised with this award.

“Despite finding himself potentially seriously injured in an incredibly dangerous situation, he used his courage and training to continue to tackle and arrest his attacker, ensuring a violent man was unable to harm anyone else.

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“Following the court case Dave was also honoured with a judge’s commendation and it really is the icing on the cake to see him take home the East region’s Police Bravery Award as well.

"I offer him my wholehearted congratulations and thank him once again for selflessly putting himself in harm’s way to help others.

“Police officers do this day in, day out, often with little thanks or appreciation. But I will never underestimate the efforts of all my officers to keep others safe in our county.”

The awards, organised by the National Police Federation, recognise officers who have put the safety of others before themselves.

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Sgt Cayton needed surgery to remove ball bearings from his face and head following the incident in Desborough in November 2020.

Marshall Coe, 40, was jailed for 11 years for wounding with intent and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence at Northampton Crown Court in May this year.

Sgt Cayton told the story of his confrontation in a compelling interview earlier this year, revealing how he managed to fire his Taser and forced his attacker to back down before handcuffing him.

He said: "I'd never been shot before so I didn't know what it feels like or the extent of the injuries.

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"One scan showed a ball bearing millimetres from a very thin piece of bone between my nose and brain. I just feel very lucky not to be blind... or dead."

Overall winners on Thursday night were PCs Daniel Broderick, Elizabeth Brook, Anthony Dutton and Richard Knowles of West Yorkshire Police officers, who detained two teenagers who had just murdered a man with a Samurai sword.