Off-duty Inverness police officer driving family home leapt from car to tackle armed man

An off-duty officer who was driving home with his young family leapt out of car to tackle an armed man in Inverness.

PC Paul Phillips from Inverness has been shortlisted for the Scottish Police Federation’s Individual Bravery Award.

The officer was on a day off when he passed a male causing such alarm that several different members of the public had alerted the police.

PC Phillips got out of his vehicle and instructed his family to carry on driving and lock the doors.

The dad successfully negotiated with the man, who threatened to stab him during the incident, and engaged with him until colleagues arrived to safely apprehend him.

When other officers with public order kits had arrived, PC Phillips continued to assist with the arrest process.

PC Phillips is nominated alongside Evie Coultas and Christopher Martin.

They are among a total of 20 officers, including constables, campus cops, detectives and probationers, to be shortlisted for the special awards.

David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, who will present the awards said: “Our annual awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the individual and team acts of bravery and dedication to our communities that we see day in, day out in policing.

“We are incredibly proud of all our nominees, and while there can only be one winner in each category, we are grateful to each of them for their amazing achievements.

“Police officers continue to face unprecedented challenges, but these awards are an opportunity to pause and reflect on the fantastic work that they do.

“These stories reflect what being a police officer is all about and we wish everyone who has been nominated the very best of luck on the night.”

Chief constable Jo Farrell said: “Policing brings huge value to our communities: keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice, solving problems and reducing offending.

“These awards shine a light on how officers stand up for and with our communities and I am extremely grateful to the Scottish Police Federation.

“I commend and thank all police officers and their families for their commitment to public service and offer my warmest congratulations to award nominees and recipients.”