MP Calls for Support for Centre Staff After Security Guard Stabbing

Centre:MK closed after security guard Gary Stanley was fatally stabbed. MP Emily Darlington stresses the need for staff support amid ongoing investigations and community efforts to reduce knife crime.

Shopping Centre Closure Supports Grieving Staff

The closure of Centre:MK shopping centre in Milton Keynes provided necessary time to support staff grieving the fatal stabbing of a security guard, according to local MP Emily Darlington.

Police responded to the incident at approximately 17:10 GMT on Saturday. Security guard Gary Stanley, aged 52, was pronounced dead at the scene. Rory Wilson, 50, from Towcester in Northamptonshire, has been charged with murder and is scheduled to appear before magistrates.

Chris Lane A man, Gary Stanley, smiles into the camera. He is wearing black glasses and a black top. Behind him are white curtains with details of green leaves and branches. — Gary Stanley died at the scene despite life-saving efforts, police have said

MP Highlights Impact on Employees

Milton Keynes Central MP Emily Darlington emphasized the importance of addressing the emotional impact on employees.

"I know that the shopping centre management need to deal with not just the incident itself, but actually how it's going to impact all the employees."

She further noted that the centre's management is actively managing the grief experienced by those working at the city centre.

"The Labour politician added the centre's management were 'dealing with the grief that people that work at the city centre will have'."

Centre:MK Closure and Reopening Plans

On Sunday, Centre:MK issued a statement online confirming the centre would remain closed while detectives conducted their investigation. The centre is expected to reopen at 10:00 on Monday.

Richard Knights/BBC A marked yellow and blue police car is parked outside Centre:MK - which is a glass building with a yellow McDonald's sign outside. It is daytime and it is cloudy above. — Centre:MK is expected to remain closed on Monday

Police and Public Safety

Thames Valley Police stated there is "no known threat to the wider public" following the incident.

Community Response and Knife Crime Efforts

Emily Darlington remarked on ongoing efforts by police and Milton Keynes City Council to reduce knife crime in the area over recent years.

"My heart goes out to Gary Stanley's family and friends, who must be absolutely reeling today," she said.

"I can't even imagine how upset they are."

Suspect Information and Legal Proceedings

Police identified the suspect, Rory Wilson of St Lawrence Road South in Towcester, as previously known as Rikki Alexander Stewart. He faces charges of murder and possession of a knife in a public place. Wilson is due to appear at Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court.