Overview

• Sergeant Gregory Gillespie, Constable Luke Holden, and PCSO Timothy Parry were the first on the scene of the Southport attack on July 29, 2024, and detained the armed attacker, Axel Rudakubana.
• The officers confronted Rudakubana, who was wielding a large knife, and subdued him using a baton and physical force after he killed three young girls and injured others.
• The attack occurred during a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop at The Hart Space, a community hub in Southport, Merseyside, attended by 26 children and two adults.
• Rudakubana, who was 17 at the time, pleaded guilty to murder and other charges in January 2025 and was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 52 years.
• The officers have been formally commended for their actions and will attend the National Police Bravery Awards on July 10, 2025, in recognition of their courage and professionalism.