A female police officer has been hailed as a “hero” after footage emerged of her apprehending a violent criminal armed with a knife. PC Nicola Crabbe arrived first on the scene to find a man injured on the floor with a stab wound and Kubilay Bostanli, who was 27 at the time, wielding a knife in Devizes town centre.
Despite having no training to deal with knife incidents, she managed to confront the attacker by pushing him against a wall and restraining him until a colleague arrived armed with a taser. She did so despite knowing of his willingness to use the weapon and having her hair grabbed and pulled. Wiltshire Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: “PC Crabbe’s quick thinking, combined with the support of her colleagues and members of the public, undoubtedly saved lives.
“Her courage is a true reflection of the highest standards we aspire to in Wiltshire Police.”
Bostanli was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and was eventually found guilty after a week-long trial held in January 2025.
He was sentenced to a section 37 order under the Mental Health Act, to be admitted and held in a secure psychiatric centre.
Less than one month prior to this attack, PC Crabbe was also one of the first at the scene of the Kennet and Avon canal after a 999 report of a person floating in the river.
When PC Crabbe and colleagues arrived, they found a person face down in the water, approximately 15 feet from the canal bank.
“Without hesitation, PC Crabbe removed her operational kit and jumped into the canal,” said a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police.
“She swam to the person, who appeared to be wearing a cycling helmet, and dragged them back to the bank with the help of her PCSO colleague.
“PC Crabbe then commenced CPR for around 10 minutes until additional officers arrived with a defibrillator, which helped restore a small pulse.”
The individual, a woman who had suffered a medical episode while cycling along the canal path, was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary where she later died.
However, PC Crabbe’s quick thinking and bravery has been credited with keeping the casualty alive until she could make it to hospital, and allowing her family to say their goodbyes.
“These incidents reflect not only her personal bravery but also her unwavering commitment to ensure the safety of others,” said Wiltshire Chief Constable Catherine Roper.