Security guard stabbed to death in shopping centre ‘was just doing his job’

A security guard who was ‘just doing his job’ has been stabbed to death at a Milton Keynes shopping centre.

Police and emergency services were called to reports of a stabbing at the Centre MK (CMK) at around 5.10pm on Saturday.

A man has been named locally as Gary Stanley, 52, who was on duty when the stabbing happened at the shopping centre, but died at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics.

Thames Valley Police has launched an investigation, and a 50-year-old man from Towcester has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Gary was described as a ‘gentle giant’ by friends and family who have paid tribute to the 52-year-old.

A member known as Bhav from the Facebook page, The Security Squad, paid tribute to Gary describing him as someone ‘you felt safe around’.

He wrote: ‘Gary had been murdered while doing his job yesterday, while protecting others. Taken in an instant.

‘Gary was a gentle giant. A man who worked hard, loved deeply, and would help anyone without hesitation.’

‘The kind of man you felt safe around. The kind you don’t replace.’

The security guard, also known by friends as Stan, is understood to have left behind his wife, son and two grandchildren.

Other tributes on social media described Gary as a valued member of the Milton Keynes community.

One post said: ‘Rest in peace to a valued member of our Milton Keynes Gary Stanley who sadly lost his life today.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone affected.

‘Tonight we light a candle in his memory. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.’

Another tribute shared how they once worked alongside Gary.

‘I’m so gutted to find out the news that Gary was taken from us today,’ one tribute read.

‘I worked alongside this kind man on the doors for many years and he was always calm, fair and funny, how could anyone take your life like that while you were simply doing your job.’

Thames Valley Police officers are at the CMK shopping centre as investigations continue.

The 50-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in police custody.

Chief superintendent Emma Baillie said: ‘We are in the very early stages of this murder investigation, but we have made an arrest and are we are not currently looking for anyone else.

‘There is no known threat to the wider public.

‘Members of the public are likely to see an increased police presence while we continue to investigate and we would advise anyone with any concerns to please speak to one of our uniformed officers.’

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