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Heroes at Hart Street: Police Officers Honoured for Courage in Southport
On May 9, 2025, it was announced that Sergeant Gregory Gillespie, Constable Luke Holden, and PCSO Timothy Parry of Merseyside Police had been nominated—and later awarded—for their extraordinary bravery during the appalling knife attack in Southport on July 29, 2024.
What Happened
• At midday on July 29, 2024, reports came in of a man attacking children with a knife at a Taylor Swift-themed children’s dance workshop on Hart Street in Southport.
• Sergeant Gillespie, single-crewed and dealing with another case elsewhere at the time, arrived first. He described scenes of “chaos” and directed paramedics to a seriously injured child before entering the building.
• Moments later, PC Holden and PCSO Parry arrived from Southport police station, joining Gillespie as public panic intensified: people were fleeing with children, and the studio entrance had a smashed glass panel. Armed only with a baton, a taser, and no immediate armed backup, the officers confronted the suspect.
• Inside, at the top of a narrow staircase, they confronted Axel Rudakubana wielding a large knife. Sergeant Gillespie and PC Holden advanced shoulder‑to‑shoulder, issuing orders to drop the weapon as Parry secured the exit and helped manage civilians.
• Officials said that when Rudakubana realised he faced firm and unflinching officers, he dropped the knife—pledging an end to further attacks and enabling them to disarm and restrain him on the ground.
These actions effectively prevented further loss of life in a situation that had already claimed the lives of three young girls and injured ten others inside the venue.
The Officers
Sergeant Gregory Gillespie
• Beaten route: normally not assigned to Southport; arrived first on the scene while covering for another officer.
• Key moments: saw injured child outside, coordinated early medical support, then entered the building with only a baton in hand, stepping directly into danger.
Constable Luke Holden
• Joined seconds later alongside PCSO Parry.
• Drew a taser upon entry and partnered with Sgt Gillespie to move up the stairs toward the suspect—secure, focused, and unhesitating in the face of real threat.
PCSO Timothy Parry
• Although not equipped with standard police tools like a baton or Taser, positioned at the rear to manage civilians and maintain a secure exit.
• Vital in preventing others from entering the hazardous interior and assisted in the physical restraint of the attacker once he collapsed.
Their unity and courage under extreme pressure were recognized by Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, who described their response as “facing the most harrowing situation Merseyside Police has ever had to deal with” Merseyside Police Federation Chair Chris McGlade praised their professionalism, stating the trio had acted “without hesitation” and with “the highest levels of bravery”
Award Recognition
• The officers were nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025, hosted by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).
• On July 10, 2025, they were officially revealed as winners—honoured as “Britain’s bravest officers” for their intervention that likely saved more lives and brought a violent rampage to an end.
Reflecting on the award, PCSO Parry described it as “bittersweet”—recognition against the backdrop of profound tragedy.
Why It Matters
• Swift, brave action: With limited equipment and no armed back‑up, the officers leveraged presence, teamwork, and courage to confront a heavily armed individual.
• High stakes: Their actions occurred as young children were under direct threat inside a crowded space.
• Community impact: Their intervention ended a violent sequence and prevented further casualties, bringing a tragic episode to a close and giving space for the law to take over.
The brutality of the scene, the targeted nature of the attack, and the emotional devastation left behind made their actions deeply significant—not just tactically, but morally and symbolically.
In Summary
Sergeant Gregory Gillespie, Constable Luke Holden, and PCSO Timothy Parry demonstrated exemplary courage during Southport’s worst tragedy—a professionalism recognized with the top bravery award in policing. Their actions underscore how dedication, rapid response, and human resolve can make the ultimate difference in moments of crisis.
Attached is a News article regarding the three police officers who was given awards over the Southport murders
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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