Tributes pour in for security guard 'Stan', the much-loved victim in shopping centre murder investigation in Milton Keynes

Police have tonight (Sunday March 1) officially named 52-year-old Gary Stanley as the victim of yesterday’s horror incident.

And they have also named the man they have arrested – a 50-year-old called Rory Wilson, formerly known as Rikki Alexander Stewart from St Lawrence Road South in Towcester.

He has been charged with one count of murder and one count of possessing a knife in a public place. He is due to appear in court tomorrow (Monday)

Stan, who was a dad and a grandad has worked at the city centre for many years and was a familiar, friendly face to shoppers.

Officers were called to a stabbing at Centre MK yesterday (Saturday February 28) at around 5.10pm. Despite life saving efforts, he sadly died at the scene, just outside Poundland.

A post-mortem and formal identification will follow in due course .

“Mr Stanley’s next of kin are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers and our thoughts remain with the family at this extremely difficult time,” said a Thames Valley Police spokesperson.

Meanwhile, The Security Squad, a Milton Keynes-based security service, has paid a lengthy tribute to Stan.

They said: “Very much a sombre day today… In possibly the biggest shock to affect the Milton Keynes Door Supervisor community, we've sadly learned of the passing of our dear friend/colleague Gary Stanley (affectionately known as Stan Stan )

Bhav, the director The Security Squad, said: "I first met Stan in his time working as a Door Supervisor in the MK Theatre District whilst I working as a police officer serving the Milton Keynes Night Time Economy.

Once leaving the force, I passed my SIA qualifications and have put my security training to use for over 9 years, working in Nightclubs, Warehouses, Events etc. I'd always bump into Stan at the shopping centre whenever he was on shift (and sometimes even off shift!), and he'd always have a bright smile and a relaxed attitude, the perfect strength for a security professional .

"I'd seen Stan calm down aggressive people where most would fail, and some even thanking him for how he handled their situation. It's so hard to believe I'll now walk around the CMK Shopping Centre and not see his rosy face smiling at me and having a quick life catch up. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying thank you to you Stan, for your friendship, laughs and memories."

The group added: “Working in the security industry, we all know that we receive training to deal with the most violent and vulnerable people... But when incidents like this happen to someone who many love and adore, it really puts into perspective how fragile life truly is.

“Genuinely one of the kindest and professional Door Supervisors we've had the pleasure of knowing. Rest easy Stan.”

Another former colleague said: “Milton Keynes lost a magnificent giant of a heart. Known him from our doorman days at The Point over 35 years ago. Kindness is not something we often expect from a bouncer. We called him Stan . Brother had a good heart. He cared. We lost Stan. The people lost Stan. His people lost Stan. A city lost Stan.”

Numerous shoppers and visitors to centre:mk have alsospoken about Stan’s kindness, friendly smile and helpful nature, calling him a calm, fair and much-respected man.

A special Book of Condolences will now be available at the Guest Services Lounge for members of the public who wish to leave a message and pay their respects, the centre’s managment have confirmed.

Their spokesperson said: “It is with profound sadness that we confirm the death of a member of our team following a tragic isolated incident at the centre.

“We have lost a dedicated and valued colleague, who was both a well-known and well-loved presence in our community. They were also devoted to their family and our deepest condolences are with them at this incredibly difficult time.”

The shopping centre was closed today to allow police to continue with the murder investigtion.

A TVP spokesperson confirmed Rikki Stewart had tonight been charged and said: “ We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this investigation”.

In the meantime, following the tragedy, a petition has been launched on Change.org calling for new legislation called ‘Stan’s Law’ to give more protection to security officers.

It described Gary Stanley’s death as ”a harrowing reminder of the dangers faced by security officers every day, particularly in high-risk areas like shopping centres and public events”

It adds:.”These individuals work tirelessly to ensure our safety and deserve to be equipped with the tools and training necessary to protect themselves. “Many security officers are currently unarmed, making them vulnerable to violence on the job. The incident involving Stan has exposed a critical gap in the protective measures available to security officers. To prevent future tragedies and to honor Stan's legacy, it is imperative that we take immediate action to enhance their safety.” The petition suggests that security officers in high-risk areas are equipped with approved protective measures such as tasers, pepper spray and batons, and there should be mandatory training programs to ensure proper use of these measures and adherence to safety protocols. “By enacting 'Stan's Law,' we can make a significant impact in safeguarding our security personnel, who selflessly protect us every day. This proposal is not only a tribute to Stan but a necessary step toward protecting all security officers and ensuring that they can return home safely to their families,” it concludes.