Police officers who tackled chainsaw-wielding man recognised for their bravery
Three police officers have been recognised for their bravery after responding to an incident involving a chainsaw-wielding man inside a flat.
Sgt Pete Williams and PCs Matt Reynolds and Gareth Green were confronted by an "armed and highly aggressive suspect" who had threatened the officers with a knife before brandishing a chainsaw.
Tommy Gillespie, from Bridgend, was sentenced to 10 months in prison for affray, four weeks for criminal damage and 24 months in custody for threatening a person with an offensive weapon.
Phil Walker, of South Wales Police, described the scene as "like something out of a horror movie", and commended the officers for their "courage, determination and composure".
The South Wales Police Federation said PC Reynolds and PC Green arrived at the flat that was "clearly in distress" as a man and woman had barricaded themselves inside a bedroom.
Gillespie, 41, became aggressive towards the officers, threatening to "chop their heads off" should they come towards him.
The federation said a knife was thrust through the bedroom door before it emerged that Gillespie had a chainsaw.
Sgt Williams then arrived at the flat, which allowed the three officers to get closer to the defendant and arrest him, aided by the use of a Taser.
He appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on 20 January 2025.
The trio joined other nominees from police forces across England and Wales for the National Police Bravery Awards held in London on Thursday 9 July.
They were welcomed by the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood at Downing Street for a ceremony to recognise the extraordinary courage and dedication of officers.
Ahead of the ceremony, Mahmood thanked the police officers from across the country for their commitment to keeping the public safe.
Sgt Williams said it was a "pretty nice" way to mark his 40th birthday, which coincided with the event.
PC Reynolds said it was "quite surreal" to be at Downing Street for the event but called it a "proud time" for himself.
"It's nice to have a day out and a reward for our hard work," he added.
