Three officers who confronted Southport knife attacker nominated for National Bravery Awards
The three officers have been nominated after they detained Axel Rudakubana
Last updated 8th May 2025
Three Merseyside Police officers who detained the Southport knife attacker have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025.
PC Luke Holden, PCSO Timothy Parry and Sergeant Gregory Gillespie arrested Axel Rudakubana from Banks in July 2024.
The 18-year-old's serving at least 52 years in jail for the murder of three schoolgirls - and the attempted murder of eight other people.
On Monday 29th 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 scene and described what he was presented with as “chaos”. He saw numerous members of the public in the street, all appearing extremely panicked, with many having armed themselves with items to use as weapons.
While getting out of his vehicle PS Gillespie saw a seriously injured child. He shared this information via his radio. He then requested further patrols to head to his location urgently.
By this time, PC Holden and PCSO Parry had also arrived. 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 Rudakubana, 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 Rudakubana with a baton and numerous kicks to get him under control on the floor.
Rudakubana was handcuffed and arrested for attempted murder.
The officers then instructed other members of the public to help with first aid before looking for anyone else who was injured or any other suspects.
They found others who had been hiding during the incident and guided them outside.
Due to the actions of Rudakubana, three young children were tragically killed, Elsie Stancombe, Alice De Silva Aguiar and Bebe King.
A further 10 other people, including young children and adults, were attacked and stabbed, in an attack described later in court as a “meticulously planned rampage”.
He was sentenced to life on Thursday 23 January 2025, with a minimum of 52 years for carrying out the horrific attack which was described as a “pre-meditated attempt to commit indiscriminate mass murder”.
Mr Justice Goose, in sentencing, stated:
“In his mind was an intention to murder as many of them as he possibly could. He wanted to carry out mass murder on innocent, happy young girls.”
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 when they entered Hart Street 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 of July 29 and worked tirelessly over the months that followed, during what was the most harrowing situation that Merseyside Police has ever had to deal with.”
The awards will take place on the 10th July.