Milton Keynes nightclub calls for accelerated rollout of Ready to Respond in tribute to centre:mk security guard
A Milton Keynes nightclub has called for the accelerated rollout of the Ready to Respond scheme, as it paid tribute to security guard Gary Stanley, who was stabbed to death while working at the centre:mk on Saturday.
Mr Stanley, 52, died after being attacked at just after 5pm in the shopping centre on February 28.
Police said that despite life-saving efforts Mr Stanley died at the scene.
Pink Punters, an LGBT venue based on Watling Street in the city, said today that it was ‘deeply shocked and saddened’ by the ‘tragic’ murder of Mr Stanley.
Pink Punters paramedic Joe McMahon said: “This is an appalling and deeply upsetting incident.
“Gary lost his life protecting others, and our thoughts are firmly with his family, friends and colleagues.
“It is important that people remain alert but not alarmed.
“The overall risk to the public remains low, but we must recognise that serious incidents can happen at any time and in any place.
“The appropriate response is preparedness, not fear.
“I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to learn simple, life-saving skills.
“Ready to Respond schemes are being rolled out across Milton Keynes, and we invite individuals, families, communities, organisations and businesses to get involved.
“The actions taken in the first few minutes before emergency services arrive can make the difference between life and death.”
Rory Wilson, formerly known as Rikki Alexander Stewart, aged 50, of St Lawrence Road South in Towcester, has today appeared at Milton Keynes Magistrates Court charged with one count of murder and one count of possessing a knife in a public place, in connection with the death of Mr Stanley.
Pink Punters wrote on social media that in recent months it had enjoyed a ‘growing professional relationship’ between its own security team and the security team at centre:mk, as they worked together to develop and strengthen Ready to Respond schemes across the city.
“Gary and many of his colleagues are well known to members of the Pink Punters security team, having worked together in various security roles over many years,” the organisation wrote.
“These are long standing professional relationships that often become genuine friendships.
“This weekend was a particularly difficult one for our own security team as colleagues reflected on the loss of a fellow professional and a good friend.
“This tragedy demonstrates the strong sense of brotherhood that exists within the security profession.
“Our thoughts remain with every member of the security community, and we extend our sincere thanks to them for the work they do to keep people safe.”
Milton Keynes based security service The Security Squad also paid tribute to Mr Stanley, affectionately known as Stan.
“Working in the security industry, we all know that we receive training to deal with the most violent and vulnerable people,” the service wrote.
“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.”
Police have said there is ‘no known threat to the wider public’ and that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with their investigation.