For a moment, as he lay on the ground after being tasered, a balaclava-clad figure rolled over and raised a 9mm pistol at him. Greater Manchester Police officer PC Daniel Clayton thought of his pregnant wife and the child she might have to raise alone. “In that moment I was thinking of my pregnant wife and how she might have to bring up our child alone,” he later recalled. Despite the life-threatening situation, the officer remained remarkably calm. He shouted “Gun, gun, gun” to warn off a council parking warden who was trying to intervene, and took shelter behind a parked car while memorising a detailed description of the gunman.

The dramatic scenes unfolded on May 20 last year in Broughton, Salford, when undercover police saw convicted criminal Jay Conway handing out packets of drugs to customers in Albert Park. After a brief struggle, Conway, 33, who was out of prison on licence at the time, stole a bike and pedalled off. PC Clayton, who was patrolling nearby, heard about the skirmish over the radio and gave chase. As he caught up with the dealer near the junction of Great Clowes Street and Upper Camp Street, he deployed his Taser after repeated warnings. Although the Taser hit its mark, it failed to fully incapacitate Conway, who then pulled out his 9mm pistol.

PC Clayton said he genuinely believed he would not make it home to his family and friends. “It has left a mark that I don’t think will ever fully go away,” he said. After fleeing the scene, Conway once again brandished the weapon as he told a member of the public “I suggest you f*** off”. He then dropped the pistol on nearby scrubland and made his escape. But, aided by PC Clayton’s thorough description, officers arrested Conway in Salford the following day.

Earlier this year at Manchester Crown Court, Conway, of Devonshire Street, Salford, was jailed for 14 years after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply, and assault of an emergency worker. A judge described PC Clayton as a “shining example of police officers in this city who place themselves at grave personal risk every day without a moment’s hesitation in protection of the public”.

This week PC Clayton received a bravery award for his actions. “It was a challenging and difficult situation that I was in and under extreme pressure, but I am proud of how I acted and as a result it led to a loaded firearm taken off our streets and reduced any further risk to the public,” he said. Salford Neighbourhood Inspector Matt Christian said the constable’s actions “exemplified the highest standards of policing” and showed “extraordinary courage, resilience and professionalism”. Salford District Commander Neil Blackwood added: “Dan epitomises bravery. Despite the risk, he went ahead and managed to tackle him from a bike and made efforts to detain him.”

While this incident took place in Salford, it is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by GMP officers every day across Greater Manchester — including those who patrol Oldham’s streets. PC Clayton’s quick thinking and selfless courage under fire helped remove a loaded firearm and a significant quantity of drugs from circulation, making the region safer for everyone. His actions highlight the dedication of the men and women who protect our communities, often at great personal risk.