AN HORRIFIC incident in which a man branded a knife and threatened to cut himself before a Taser was used resulted in two police officers receiving the Chief Constable’s Certificate Of Excellence.

Sergeant Penny Sprawson and colleague PC Gareth Ivett located what was believed to be a stolen van travelling down the A419.

They stopped the van but after some initial inquiries it became clear the van was not stolen.

After carrying out checks with the driver, they came across document offences and the man became confrontational when officers discussed seizing his van after he was found to be driving without insurance.

A colleague from the Roads Policing Unit then arrived at the scene as a Taser trained officer.

A stand-off resulted whereby the man was in the rear of his van with a kitchen knife threatening to cut himself if officers tried to remove his van.

The officers were in a very vulnerable position with the rear doors of the van open with a narrow entrance and the man having a height advantage of about two to three foot.

Swindon-based PC Ivett, 24, who has only been on the force for a little over a year, said: “He was holding the knife against his throat and threatening officers with it.

“The only thing we were worried about was getting the knife off him and making sure everybody was safe.”

The team negotiated for 20 minutes but the man’s agitation was escalating to the point where he was foaming at the mouth and he refused to put the knife down.

The officers were concerned for his safety and their own as he mentioned his firearms history.

When it appeared he was using some force to cut his wrists, the Taser was used but had no effect.

but the barbs entered the clothing only and had no effect. The officers then used an incapacitant spray and entered the van, even through the man had still not dropped the knife.

All three officers then managed to disarm him in the back of the van and arrested him.

The knife was recovered and there were no injuries.

The man was subsequently charged with possession of a bladed article, common assault and theft of a motor vehicle.

Speaking of his award, PC Ivett said: “I was very surprised to be recognised.

“I’m part of a brilliant team in which everybody does an excellent job every day.”