Hero Officers Honoured After Courageous Response to Southport Knife Attack

Three Merseyside police officers who risked their lives to stop the Southport knife attacker have been nominated for prestigious bravery awards after their heroic response during the deadly incident last year.

Sergeant Gregory Gillespie, Constable Luke Holden, and PCSO Timothy Parry were the first officers to arrive at the scene of the attack at a Taylor Swift themed dance workshop in Southport on July 29, 2024. The officers confronted attacker Axel Rudakubana, who was armed with a large knife inside the building.

According to reports, the officers arrived within moments of emergency calls and were met with scenes of panic and chaos as members of the public fled the building carrying injured children. Despite the extreme danger, the officers entered the property and challenged the suspect while ordering him to drop the weapon.

The attacker was eventually detained after officers used force to bring him under control before arresting him at the scene.

The incident shocked the country after three young girls, Alice da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, lost their lives in the brutal attack. Several other victims, including children, were also injured.

Police leaders praised the officers for their extraordinary bravery, professionalism, and rapid response under terrifying circumstances. Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy described the incident as an “unimaginable horror” and said the officers showed exceptional courage by putting public safety before their own.

The three officers have now been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025, recognising their actions during one of the UK’s most tragic knife attacks in recent years.

Police Federation representatives also praised the officers, saying their actions demonstrated the very best of policing and helped prevent further harm during the terrifying incident.