Reading stabbings: what we know so far about knife attack in Forbury Gardens

Kit Heren21 June 2020

Three people have died and another three are seriously injured after multiple stabbings at a park in Reading. Police have declared the attack a terrorist incident.

The attack took place at around 7pm on Saturday in a park in the town centre.

The attacker is said to be called Khairi Saadallah, according to the PA news agency.

Police descended on the scene and a large police cordon remains in place as officers carry out an investigation.

Here is what we know so far about the attack.

When and where did it happen?

The attack took place in Forbury Gardens, the town's main central park near its railway station, at about 7pm on Saturday. Forbury Gardens is next to Reading's historic Abbey Ruins, where King Henry I is believed to be buried.

How many people were attacked?

Three people have died after being stabbed, while another three are seriously injured.

Stabbings at Forbury Garden

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Are there any suspects?

Police officers arrested a 25-year-old man from Reading on suspicion of murder after the attacks. The man is said to be called Khairi Saadallah.

A security source told the PA news agency that the man was originally from Libya.

Thames Valley Police Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter said: “We have made one arrest and at this stage we are not looking for any other people in connection with this incident.

“There is no intelligence to suggest that there is any further danger to the public, however we urge people to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious by calling police.”

Police outside Forbury Gardens in Reading on the morning of Sunday June 21 after a knife attack the previous evening
PA

What was the motive?

Police said on Sunday morning they are treating the attack as a terrorist incident, and counter-terrorism officers will be taking over the investigation.

Chief Constable John Campbell of Thames Valley Police said he was "deeply saddened" by the "tragic" attack.

He added: "Incidents of this nature are very rare, though I know that will be of little comfort to those involved and understand the concern that this incident will have caused amongst our local community.

“We will be working closely with our partners over the coming days and weeks to support the Reading community during this time, as well as with CTPSE [Counter-Terrorism Policing South East] as they progress their investigation.

“Police cordons continue to be in place and are likely to be for some time as CTPSE work further to investigate this incident and establish exactly what happened."

Mr Campbell urged people to stay away, and said police would let the public know when they could go back into the park.

He asked anyone who has video footage of the incident to share it with the police, rather than posting it to social media "out of respect for the deceased and their loved ones."

Counter-terrorism officers are expected to give an update later on Sunday.

Forensics officers respond to an attack in Forbury Gardens, Reading
PA

What has been the political response?

Several high-profile politicians spoke out last night to condemn the attacks and offer their sympathies to anyone affected.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “My thoughts are with all of those affected by the appalling incident in Reading and my thanks to the emergency services on the scene.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said in a statement: “This evening we saw a senseless attack on people simply enjoying a Saturday evening with family and friends.

“My heart, prayers and thoughts are with all of those affected and to the people of Reading who will be deeply shocked and concerned by this terrible incident.

“I am in contact with the police and will ensure they have all the support they need. I would like to thank Thames Valley Police and the emergency services for their response.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also thanked the police and emergency services for their response to the attack.

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