The three courageous officers who confronted and detained the murderer after the Southport tragedy last summer have been thanked during a special visit to the Houses of Parliament.
Sergeant Gregory Gillespie, PC Luke Holden, and PCSO Timothy Parry were welcomed by Southport MP Patrick Hurley in London.
Mr Hurley said: “Today in Parliament, I had the honour of thanking Sergeant Gregory Gillespie, PC Luke Holden, and PCSO Timothy Parry for their extraordinary bravery.
“Their quick actions during a tragedy in our community showcased true heroism.
“Thank you for everything you do!”
In May, the three were nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025.
Last July, Sergeant Gregory Gillespie, Constable Luke Holden and PCSO Timothy Parry were all on duty in full uniform working out of Southport Police Station.
At midday, all three Merseyside Police officers heard a radio transmission requesting for officers to attend immediately at Hart Street, Southport.
PS Gillespie made his way to the incident; he was single crewed and currently at another location dealing with a separate case.
PC Holden and PCSO Parry were at Southport Police Station when they heard the transmission, before heading to the incident together.
PS Gillespie arrived first at the scene and described what he was presented with as “chaos”.
Upon exiting his vehicle, PS Gillespie saw a seriously injured child. He shared this information via his radio and directed a paramedic to assist the child before he continued to the premises where he believed the suspect was located.
PS Gillespie requested further patrols to head to his exact location urgently.
By this time, PC Holden and PCSO Parry had also arrived at the location. All three officers witnessed various members of the public running away, carrying young children.
The door to the premises had a glass panel which had been smashed.
PS Gillespie drew his baton and PC Holden drew his Taser before entering whilst PCSO Parry covered the exit.
Once at the top of the stairs the officers were faced with the killer, who was holding a large knife.
PC Holden red dotted the suspect and both officers shouted at him to drop the knife, whilst they continued to approach him.
PCSO Parry, upon hearing, immediately ran into the premises and upstairs to assist his colleagues.
As they approached the suspect, the knife was dropped, but due to his actions it was necessary for the officers to strike the killer with a baton and numerous kicks to get him under control on the floor.
The killer was handcuffed and arrested. The officers then continued to instruct other present members of the public to assist with first aid before continuing to search the premises for injured people or any other suspects.
The Merseyside Police Federation said that the courageous actions of these three officers on the day prevented any further persons being injured or killed.
Merseyside Police Federation Chair Chris McGlade said:
“Police officers join the service to keep our communities safe and prevent them from harm. In the face of the most challenging and perilous of circumstances, these three officers exemplified this commitment.
“Without hesitation, they prioritised public safety and demonstrated the highest levels of bravery. Their professionalism was unparalleled, and it is fitting that we acknowledge and honour their actions accordingly.”
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy KPM said: “As first on the scene and in those frantic initial moments, they were unaware of the horrific events taking place but they dismissed any thoughts for their own safety, bravely detaining the offender while protecting and helping the victims and those inside.
“We are all immensely proud of PS Gillespie, PC Holden and PCSO Parry for their courage, professionalism and swift actions in such horrendous circumstances.”
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