The three officers who confronted and detained the murderer after he killed three children at a dance class in Southport have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025.
On Monday 29 July 2024, 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.
The incident was described over the radio as being one involving a male attacking children with a knife. 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. It was later confirmed the business premises in question was being used for a Taylor Swift themed children’s workshop, with 26 children in attendance.
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.
Whilst doing so the officers passed another seriously injured young child. 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 murderer was handcuffed and arrested for attempted murder. 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.
In the room behind where the suspect was detained a further seriously injured young child was found, and in a separate room the officers located a young girl and adult female.
In another room a further group of males were located, all shaking with fear and one with a stab wound to his leg, who were guided out by the officers.
By this time, more officers and paramedics had arrived at the location to assist those who had been injured.
It was clear 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:
“Sergeant Greggory Gillespie, Constable Luke Holden and PCSO Timothy Parry were faced with unimaginable horror on that tragic day.
“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. For the officers to be recognised in this way is true testament to them all.
“Our thoughts remain with the victims, their families, those who suffered serious injuries and all those involved in the appalling attack.
“I would like to express my thanks to all our officers and staff who were involved in the terrible events and worked tirelessly over the months that followed, during what was the most harrowing situation that Merseyside Police has ever had to deal with.”
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