A student officer who displayed valour in tackling an offender wielding a large knife at a free family music event has been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025.

PC Eva Palmer, from Suffolk Police, said her priority was to ensure public safety as she chased the offender through crowds of festivalgoers and along busy streets in Ipswich town centre before detaining him.

But she said she could not afford to hesitate in chasing the suspect with so many people around, and that her training kicked in.

PC Palmer was on a routine engagement patrol in the early evening of Saturday, 13 July, at the Global Rhythm festival, a free world and Caribbean music event held at the town’s Christchurch Park, which last year attracted more than 11,000 people.

The force control room received reports of an incident between rival groups, with three people being threatened by a suspect wielding a weapon described as a machete.

A man was then seen running through the crowd with a large knife or machete, and PC Palmer, who was on attachment to the force’s Community Policing Team, immediately gave chase. She tracked the suspect along Tower Street and towards the main pedestrian area of Ipswich town centre, which was busy with people from the music event.

PC Palmer, who had been an officer for 11 months—and independent for just two-and-a-half months at the time of the incident, said: “I knew the risks involved when I decided to give chase to the armed male, especially not being a firearm or Taser officer. My adrenaline was high, but I felt my training kick in when I saw the armed male, and my primary thought was ensuring public safety.

“I knew I had to get the knife off him,” she added. “The urgency of the situation made it clear that I couldn't afford to hesitate. I focused on communicating with my colleagues over the radio, keeping a safe distance for PAVA to be effective if needed and constantly assessing the situation using the National Decision Model. There was a lot running through my mind, but I focused on catching up to the suspect and removing the knife to reduce the threat of harm.”

She eventually detained the suspect and removed the Rambo-style knife.

Chief Constable of Suffolk Constabulary Rachel Kearton said: “The courageous and brave efforts of Eva embody the best of our police service and what all police officers do – keep the public safe and protect them from serious harm.

“Eva, who had been a Suffolk officer just 11 months, gave chase to the armed male, equipped with just her PAVA spray and her training to protect her. When she realised the gravity of the incident, her instinct to protect the public immediately kicked in and I commend her for bringing what was a highly unpredictable and dangerous situation to a safe conclusion. Very well done Eva – you are an absolute credit to Suffolk police!”

Suffolk Police Federation Chair Darren Harris said: “Despite being new in service, Eva showed immense courage and no little initiative to track and disarm an offender who was wielding a large knife.

“It was a fast-moving situation with many people on the streets enjoying the music festival and a summer evening.

“Eva acted selflessly and in accordance with her training to protect the public and safely disarm the offender until support could get to her.

“This incident underlines the dangers that police officers face every day in their jobs, running towards danger when others might run away.

“We’re extremely proud of Eva and her actions, which brought a dangerous situation to a swift and decisive conclusion.

“On behalf of the Federation branch wish her well at the awards."