Man appears in court after security guard stabbing

A man has appeared in court accused of murdering a security guard at a shopping centre.

Police were called to reports of a stabbing at Centre:MK in Milton Keynes at about 17:10 GMT on Saturday and 52-year-old Gary Stanley died at the scene.

Rory Wilson, 50, from Towcester, Northamptonshire, appeared at Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

He did not enter pleas and was remanded in custody to appear at Aylesbury Crown Court on Wednesday.

Wearing a grey tracksuit, Wilson spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address at court.

Stanley's family were in the public gallery at court.

The shopping centre, which was closed following the incident, reopened to the public earlier - but with a significant police presence.

In a statement, a Centre:MK spokesperson said: "We have lost a dedicated and valued colleague, who was both a well-known and well-loved presence in our community.

"They were also devoted to their family and our deepest condolences are with them at this incredibly difficult time."

On Monday lunchtime, queues of people could be seen waiting to sign a book of condolence for the man known as "Big Stan".

More than 100 bouquets of flowers and other tributes had also been left.

Among them, a couple of hand-drawn cards had been addressed to "grandpa", and tributes from shop staff including one person who wrote that that Stanley had an "infectious laugh".

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.