centre:mk reopens to public following fatal stabbing of security guard
The centre:mk shopping centre in Milton Keynes has reopened to the public this morning following the fatal stabbing of a security guard on Saturday February 28.
The shopping centre reopened at 10am today, and thanked the public for their ‘support and cooperation during this difficult time’ in a message on its Facebook page.
The centre has been shut since the fatal stabbing of Gary Stanley, 52, at just after 5pm on February 28.
Tributes have poured into Mr Stanley, known as Stan, with a book of condolences placed at the centre:mk Guest Services Lounge for anyone wishing to share a message of support.
“We have lost a dedicated and valued colleague, who was both a well-known and well-loved presence in our community,” centre:mk wrote.
“They were also devoted to their family and our deepest condolences are with them at this incredibly difficult time.”
Milton Keynes Central MP Emily Darlington urged the city to ‘pull together’ following the incident, writing on social media: “I am saddened to hear that Gary Stanley, a security guard at Central Milton Keynes shopping centre, has lost his life after being attacked.
“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.”
A fundraising page was set up to support the family and had raised more than £7,000.
The GoFundMe page, which the MK Citizen understands was not endorsed by the family, has now been taken down.
As part of a police investigation into the incident, Rory Wilson, formerly known as Rikki Alexander Stewart, aged 50, of St Lawrence Road South in Towcester was charged last night with one count of murder and one count of possessing a knife in a public place.
He is due to appear at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court this morning.