Three Merseyside Police officers have been officially commended for extraordinary bravery after confronting a knife-wielding attacker during a horrifying mass stabbing at a children’s Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport.

Sergeant Gregory Gillespie, PC Luke Holden, and PCSO Timothy Parry were the first responders at the scene of the brutal July 29, 2024 attack, where three young girls were tragically killed.

The incident unfolded at The Hart Space on Hart Street — a local community hub and pregnancy care centre — during what was meant to be a fun holiday dance event for children. Instead, the event turned into one of the worst mass stabbings in Merseyside’s history.

The attacker, Axel Rudakubana, then 17, from Banks in Lancashire, was found wielding a large knife inside the building when officers arrived. Without knowing the scale of the carnage inside, the trio entered the building — PS Gillespie armed with a baton, PC Holden with a Taser, and PCSO Parry securing the exit.

The officers confronted Rudakubana at the top of the stairs. He dropped the knife, but officers used force to subdue and arrest him.

Rudakubana later admitted to 16 charges including three counts of murder, and was sentenced to life with a minimum of 52 years at Liverpool Crown Court in January 2025. His victims were named as Elsie Stancombe, Alice De Silva Aguiar, and Bebe King.

The officers have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards, where their heroic actions will be formally recognised on July 10.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said:

“We are so proud of Sgt Gillespie, PC Holden and PCSO Parry for their courage, professionalism and swift actions in such horrendous circumstances.”

A vigil held outside Southport Town Hall in the days following the attack drew hundreds of mourners from the community, united in grief.