PC Dan Clayton of Greater Manchester Police has been honoured with the Salford Bravery Award after a harrowing encounter with a drug dealer who pointed a loaded 9mm pistol at him. The incident occurred on May 20 last year when undercover officers observed convicted criminal Jay Conway distributing drugs in Albert Park, Broughton.
Confrontation and Life-Threatening Moment
After a brief struggle with an undercover officer, Conway, 33, who was out on licence, stole a bicycle and fled. PC Clayton, patrolling nearby, heard the radio call and pursued. He caught up with Conway near Great Clowes Street and Upper Camp Street, drew his Taser, and after multiple warnings, fired. Although the Taser hit its target, it failed to fully incapacitate Conway, who then pulled out a 9mm pistol.
“I could see the barrel pointing right at me and he was following my movements as I was trying to get away from him,” PC Clayton recalled. “In that moment I was thinking of my pregnant wife and how she might have to bring up our child alone.” Despite the threat, he remained calm, shouting “Gun, gun, gun” to warn a nearby council parking warden, and took shelter behind a parked car while memorising a detailed description of the gunman.
Bravery Award and Judicial Praise
PC Clayton’s composure and quick thinking led to Conway’s arrest the following day in Whalley Range. In March, Conway was sentenced to 14 years in prison 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.”
“I genuinely believed I would not make it home to my family and friends,” PC Clayton said. “It has left a mark that I don’t think will ever fully go away.” He added, “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.”
Commendations from Senior Officers
Salford Neighbourhood Inspector Matt Christian praised PC Clayton’s actions, stating they “exemplified the highest standards of policing. Faced with a sudden, life-threatening confrontation involving a loaded firearm at close range, he 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. The courage, professionalism and selflessness he displayed that day were exceptional.”
