A murder investigation has been launched after a shopping centre security guard was stabbed to death in an attack.
The 52-year-old, named locally as Gary Stanley, died after being attacked at Centre MK in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, at around 5.10pm on Saturday.
Despite the attempts of emergency services to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind his partner, a son and two grandchildren.
The force confirmed his next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
A 50-year-old man, from Towcester, Northamptonshire, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
The shopping centre remains cordoned off while forensic investigators conduct a thorough search of the area.
Local MP Emily Darlington paid tribute to the victim, saying: ‘I am saddened to hear that Gary Stanley, a security guard at Central Milton Keynes shopping centre, has lost his life after being attacked.
A 52-year-old security guard, named locally as Gary Stanley (pictured), was brutally stabbed to death inside Centre MK shopping centre in Milton Keynes
Police have arrested a 50-year-old man from Towcester on suspicion of murder
‘My heart and condolences go out to his family and friends.
‘This kind of violence is rare in Milton Keynes and will shock us all.
‘It is important that we pull together to support the family and unite for our city.’
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’.
‘In all my time working with him I never once heard him as much as raise his voice – he was a true gentle giant.
A fundraising page set up to support his family described the victim as a ‘wonderful, gentle giant’ and a ‘one-in-a-million partner’.
Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie, local commander for Milton Keynes 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.’
Those with information should call 101 quoting reference number INC-20260228-1537.
