‘We faced the Southport killer shoulder to shoulder’

WARNING: This article contains sad and sad details.

He continued: “When we arrived, the only thing we knew was that it was in the criminal building stabbed on the place on Hart Street.”

Nothing could have prepared SGT Greg Gillespie for the 29 July 2024 events claiming the life of three young girls.

He was called for stabbing reports in a dance studio in Southport, and came to a scene of fear.

Orum I remember the people on the road shake me, ”he said.

“I could see the appearance of fear and terror on the faces of the people there, and then I could come out of the car and hear them screaming.”

SGT Gillespie said he saw a little girl he thought he was dead.

Despite being stabbed more than 30, he managed to survive.

“I do not think there is any education or experience that can prepare you to deal with or process such a thing.”

Pc Luke Holden, who came soon with PCSO Timothy Parry, said that he had heard the words of his colleague’s radio.

“He confirmed the way of speaking, the address and the scene he encountered … I could feel some kind of terror in Greg’s voice.”

SGT Gillespie said he had decided that they had to deal with what happened in the building.

Uk We knew that the right thing was that we couldn’t expect an armed response backup, ”he said.

“We didn’t know where they were [but] This was urgent.

“Everyone now knows the order of the events that took place that day – then unknown to us.”

The only thing they knew said, a child was stabbed and “the criminal is in the building”.

PC Holden remembers what happened later.

“Greg looked at me and said, ‘Are you ready?’ He said.

He said he answered with a simple “yes” and then the couple went to the building “shoulder to shoulder”.

Almost, 17 -year -old Axel Rudakubana, who was unknown by the officers, who entered the studio and attacked the children who enjoyed the Taylor Swift themed workshop with a school holiday.

SGT Gillespie said, “He was showing us the knife, holding us in front of us, blood stained.” He said.

“I almost have a knife, what are you going to do? ‘

SGT Gillespie said that the attitude of the youth changed, as if the civil servants were “not afraid of him, that they do not want to know.”

“It would be hard to paint him as more cowardly than he’s already already, but I think that says a lot to me.”

Nine -year -old Alice Aguiar, six -year -old Bebe King and seven -year -old Elsie Dot Stancombe were killed in the attack, while eight other children and two adults were seriously injured.

17 -year -old child responsible for these deaths and injuries He was sentenced to life imprisonment with at least 52 years For murders in January.

The horrors of the day inevitably left an indelible trace in the town, but the inhabitants united together, decided not to let the savagery define their homes.

SGT Gillespie said it was heard from this response.

“The community came together as a result of the actions of the parents of the victims, which are often inspiring.”

“As a father, it is not understandable to a child’s idea of such a thing, and to get up the next morning and try to continue your life.

“But the three sets of parents not only do this … They continued the legacy of their daughters’ names and brought together the community.”

All three officers England and Wales Police Federation Recognized at the 2025 Courage Awards For the actions that day.

They said the attack changed them.

“This affects you in a way you don’t imagine.” He said.

“My hyper-mystery increased by 1,000% and I was careful against everyone in any case.

“You start to think about the worst situation of every situation you deal with.”

PCSO Parry said it was “quite difficult” to return to normal life, and trying to do activities with his own child and seeing others like victims was “difficult for me for a while.”

“Obviously, the families participating should pass and nothing compared with something, but not a little challenge.”

SGT Gillespie, last year’s July 29 events “the most difficult experience of my life, never mind my career,” he said.

However, compared to the families of children who were killed and injured, “Our pain and pain, the largest ocean compared to them compared to them,” he added.