In 2012, then Police Constable Tom Ashforth was among the first officers to respond to a brutal stabbing incident in Swindon. The victim had been stabbed multiple times and was bleeding heavily. Ashforth’s quick response was driven by adrenaline as he tried to save the victim’s life.
Despite the desperate efforts of Ashforth, his colleagues, and emergency services, the victim did not survive. The tragic loss left a lasting impact on Ashforth. “A person lost their life at the hands of another,” Ashforth said, “which is always a needless tragedy for everyone involved.” He remains deeply affected by the ripple effect the crime had on the victim’s family and the wider community.
Now serving as the Neighbourhood Sergeant for Stratton, Central Swindon North, and West, Ashforth is at the forefront of Wiltshire Police’s intensified fight against knife crime. Speaking during the national Sceptre campaign, which aims to raise awareness and tackle weapon carrying, he outlined the force’s approach.
Wiltshire Police are targeting known hot spots and suspects, using knife arches to detect concealed weapons, and running community intervention programmes designed to prevent further incidents.
Ashforth also highlights the critical importance of first aid training for both officers and civilians, stressing that quick action can save lives in future attacks. He urges parents to have open and honest conversations with their children about the dangers of carrying knives and associating with those who do.
“We don’t want carrying weapons to become normal – it has to stop for everyone’s sake,” Ashforth warns. “If you carry a knife or hang around those who do, chances are you’ll end up involved in serious harm, or worse.”
With Wiltshire Police increasing efforts to keep communities safe, Ashforth makes it clear that there is zero tolerance for knife crime in Swindon. The fight against knife crime is ongoing and remains a top priority for the force.
Originally published by UKNIP.
