Murder arrest after security guard dies in stabbing

A murder investigation has been launched after a "gentle giant" security guard died in a stabbing at a shopping centre.

Thames Valley Police was called to Centre:MK in Milton Keynes on Saturday at about 17:10 GMT.

A 52-year-old man, named locally by family and friends as Gary Stanley, died at the scene, police said.

A 50-year old man from Towcester, Northamptonshire, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Family, friends and co-workers flooded social media with tributes to "one of the kindest".

A fundraising page set up to help his family said he was a "wonderful, gentle giant".

He was "a man who would do anything to help anyone and who worked hard every day", his fiance's sister said.

She described the father-of-one and grandfather as a "one-in-a-million" partner who had been the family's "pillar of strength".

Police said the victim had "not been formally identified" but the coroner had been informed of the death.

The shopping centre remained closed on Sunday and Thames Valley Police said a "scenewatch" was in place.

"We are working closely with Centre:MK to resolve this at the earliest opportunity," the force added.

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.

"While working in the Centre:MK he always had a great big smile on his face for everyone around and wanted nothing but to help. So many of us are going to miss him."

Bhav Sampat, who runs a security company in Milton Keynes, first met Stanley when he worked as a doorman.

He said he was a "gentle, funny and caring man who would always use his skills of conversation to calm everyone down".

"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 Centre:MK and not see his rosy face smiling at me and having a quick life catch up."

Ch Supt 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."

We appreciate your patience and understanding at this time."

Milton Keynes Central MP Emily Darlington said it was "a shock" but urged people not to speculate online.

She said: "It's really important that the police are there and they're investigating and anybody who has any information that might be useful to the police, I urge them to get in touch with them."

The Labour MP added the shopping centre had "always been a very safe place" and somewhere she has gone with her children.

But she again asked people not to "jump to conclusions".