Reading stabbings: Three dead and three seriously injured in terrorist attack

Three people have died and another three are seriously injured after multiple stabbings at a park in Reading, with police treating the incident as a terrorist attack.
Police near an entrance to Forbury Gardens in Reading town centre Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA WirePolice near an entrance to Forbury Gardens in Reading town centre Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
Police near an entrance to Forbury Gardens in Reading town centre Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

Police said a 25-year-old man from Reading was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and is in custody.

Counter-terrorism police officers attended the scene and the incident was declared a terrorist attack earlier today.

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Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner Neil Basu, who is also the head of counter-terrorism policing, said: ‘This was an atrocity.

‘Although the motivation for this horrific act is far from certain counter terrorism policing have taken responsibility for leading the investigation.

‘However, we’re clear that it was not associated in any way with the Black Lives Matter protest which took place peacefully earlier on in the day and which had concluded some hours before this attack took place.

‘From our enquiries so far, officers have found nothing to suggest that there was anyone else involved in this attack and presently we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident.’

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Boris Johnson has held a meeting with security officials, police and senior ministers over the fatal stabbings in Reading, Downing Street has said.

The Prime Minister's Official spokesman said: ‘PM held a meeting at 9am with security officials, police and senior ministers in No 10.

‘The PM was updated on the ongoing investigation into the fatal stabbings in Reading yesterday.’

Reading town centre was quiet on Sunday morning, with few people on the streets.

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All roads surrounding Forbury Gardens - which is a short walk from the train station - remained cordoned off.

Blue and white tents have been erected next to the walls of the park, with officers patrolling a cordon.

Thames Valley Police Federation chairman Craig O'Leary said in a statement about the Reading stabbings: ‘First and foremost our thoughts are with the families of those who lost loved ones in the horrific incident last night and we wish our very best to those still injured.

‘There can be no doubt that the swift response of our Thames Valley Police colleagues saved further harm from being caused and potentially more lives from being lost.

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‘There are barely words to describe their bravery - officers who ran towards danger with the sole thought of protecting the public we serve.

‘Other colleagues valiantly rushed to the scene to try and save and preserve life.

‘While the investigation into this incident continues, what we can say is the public can rightly be proud of their emergency services today.

‘We are offering our colleagues involved in this incident our full support.’