Man charged with murder of 'gentle giant' security guard Gary Stanley who was stabbed to death at Milton Keynes shopping centre

A MAN has been charged with the murder of security guard Gary Stanley, who was stabbed to death at Centre MK shopping centre in Milton Keynes on Saturday, February 28 2026.

It comes as police identified Mr Stanley, 52, as the victim of the attack.

Known as Stan Stan, he had been due to celebrate his birthday today, and was described as a "gentle giant" by wellwishers.

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: "Officers were called to a stabbing at Centre MK on Saturday at around 5.10pm. Despite life‑saving efforts, the man sadly died at the scene.

"This man has been identified as Gary Stanley from Milton Keynes. 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.

"Rory Wilson formerly known as Rikki Alexander Stewart, 50, of St Lawrence Road South, Towcester, has been charged 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, March 2 2026.

"We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this investigation."

Mr Stanley was said to have been a popular and friendly fixture at the shopping centre.

One post from a man called Bhav, director of The Security Squad, posted on its Facebook page said: "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, (Stan Stan).

"I first met Stan in his time working as a Door Supervisor in the Milton Keynes 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 nine years, working in Nightclubs, Warehouses, Events etc.

"I'd always bump into (him) 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 (him) 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 for your friendship, laughs and memories.

"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."

Earlier we reported how police had been dealing with a major incident at the popular shopping centre.

Thames Valley Police has been dealing with what it said was a serious assault with unconfirmed reports of a security guard being stabbed in the neck.

Armed police were filmed by local outlet DJE Media in the car park with several vehicles on blue lights.

There are unconfirmed reports of shoppers having to be evacuated from the centre.

Today the force said in a statement: "Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit has launched a murder investigation following a death in Milton Keynes.

"Officers were called to a stabbing at Centre MK yesterday (28/2) at around 5.10pm. Despite life-saving efforts, a 52-year-old man sadly died at the scene.

"The victim’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

"A scenewatch is in place at the shopping centre, and we are working closely with Centre MK to resolve this at the earliest opportunity."

Chief Superintendent 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.”

Anyone with information should call 101 or contact us via our website, quoting reference number INC-20260228-1537.

Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.