Milton Keynes: milton keynes security guard Gary Stanley killed at shopping centre

A murder investigation has been launched after a security guard died in a stabbing at Centre: MK in milton keynes on Saturday. Thames Valley Police were called to the shopping centre at about 17: 10 GMT and a 52-year-old man, named locally by family and friends as Gary Stanley, died at the scene despite life-saving efforts.

Milton Keynes scene and closure

Thames Valley Police said officers were called to reports of a stabbing at Centre: MK in Milton Keynes at around 5. 10pm on Saturday. The shopping complex remained closed on Sunday and Centre: MK said the complex would be closed on Sunday and advised: "If you have any concerns please speak with the officers in the area. " The force said a "scenewatch" was in place and that "a scene will remain in place while officers carry out enquiries. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of all those affected. We appreciate your patience and understanding at this time. "

Police response and timing

Officers were called to Centre: MK just after 5pm on Saturday, at about 17: 10 GMT, and carried out life-saving efforts at the scene. Despite those efforts, the 52-year-old male victim died at the scene. A 50-year-old man from Towcester, Northamptonshire, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. Thames Valley Police said the coroner has been informed but the victim had "not been formally identified. "

Victim and tributes

The man named locally by family and friends as Gary Stanley was described in online tributes as "one of the kindest" and a fundraising page set up to help his family called him a "wonderful, gentle giant. " 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 used to work with Stanley as a doorman in nightclubs 20 years ago, said his friend was "one of the greatest guys I have ever worked with" and that he was "a true gentle giant. " Simpson added that "while working in the Centre: MK he always had a great big smile on his face for everyone around and wanted nothing but to help. So many of us are going to miss him. " Family, friends and co-workers flooded social media with tributes.

Suspect and custody

The arrested man, described as a 50-year-old from Towcester in Northamptonshire, remains in police custody on suspicion of murder. Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie, local commander for Milton Keynes, said detectives are not looking for anyone else and that there is "no known threat to the wider public. " She appealed to the public for help and warned there would be an increased police presence in the area while investigations continue.