Security guard killed at Milton Keynes shopping centre after stabbing
A security guard has died after a stabbing at Centre: MK in milton keynes, prompting a murder investigation and the arrest of a 50-year-old man. The incident forced the shopping centre to close and left family and colleagues paying tribute to the man named locally as Gary Stanley.
Police called to Centre: MK at about 17: 10 GMT and scene watch put in place
Thames Valley Police were called to Centre: MK in Milton Keynes on Saturday at about 17: 10 GMT after reports of a stabbing. Officers established a cordon and said a "scenewatch" was in place while enquiries continued; a scene would remain in place while officers carry out enquiries, the force said.
Centre: MK said the shopping complex would remain closed on Sunday and advised members of the public that "If you have any concerns please speak with the officers in the area. " The force added: "We are working closely with Centre: MK to resolve this at the earliest opportunity. "
Victim named locally as Gary Stanley, 52
The 52-year-old man who died at the scene has been named locally by family and friends as Gary Stanley. Police said the victim had "not been formally identified" but the coroner had been informed of the death.
Those who knew him described him in personal terms: a fundraising page set up to help his family called him a "wonderful, gentle giant" and family members and friends flooded social media with tributes describing him as "one of the kindest. " His fiance's sister said he was "a man who would do anything to help anyone and who worked hard every day, " and described the father-of-one and grandfather as a "one-in-a-million" partner who had been the family's "pillar of strength. "
Andy Simpson, who said he used to work with Stanley as a doorman in nightclubs 20 years ago, remembered him as "one of the greatest guys I have ever worked with, " adding that he never once heard Stanley raise his voice and that he always had "a great big smile on his face" while working at Centre: MK.
Suspect in custody: 50-year-old man from Towcester
A 50-year-old man from Towcester, Northamptonshire, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody. Police said detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
Officers carried out life-saving efforts at the scene but the 52-year-old male victim died there. The coroner has been informed and the victim's next of kin have been notified; they are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.
Local commander says there is no known wider threat
Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie, the local commander for Milton Keynes, told the public that detectives are not looking for anyone else and that there was "no known threat to the wider public. " She warned of an increased police presence in the area while investigations continue and appealed to anyone with information to come forward.
The force also offered a message to the community: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of all those affected. We appreciate your patience and understanding at this time. "
Community response and ongoing investigation
The murder investigation remains under way as officers work closely with Centre: MK. The shopping centre stayed closed on Sunday following the incident, and local tributes and fundraising efforts have started as those who knew Gary Stanley remember him as a quiet, helpful presence at the centre.
