Reading stabbings that left three people dead declared terror attack as suspect named

WEST END FINAL

Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

The stabbings in a Reading park that left three people dead are being treated as a terror attack, police have confirmed.

Witnesses said a man went running into Forbury Gardens in the town centre at about 7pm on Saturday and began stabbing people before trying to flee.

The attack also left three people seriously injured. A 25-year-old man from Reading was arrested at the scene.

The arrested man is understood to be named Khairi Saadallah, according to PA news agency.

A security source also told PA the suspect is a Libyan asylum seeker and mental health is being considered a major factor in the incident. The man, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, remains in police custody.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was "appalled and sickened" by the attack and added his thoughts were "very much with the families and friends of the victims".

Stabbings at Forbury Garden

1/11

Thames Valley Police said on Sunday morning the attack is now being treated as terrorism and that counter-terror police would be taking over the investigation.

Chief Constable John Campbell said: “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 Counter-Terror Police South East (CTPSE) as they progress their investigation.”

He asked the public to avoid the area and also to “avoid speculation” about the attack.

The head of counter terrorism policing, Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, said there is nothing to suggest anyone else was involved in the attack.

Speaking in London, he said: “From our inquiries undertaken so far, officers have found nothing to suggest that there was anyone else involved in this attack and presently we’re not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident."

He said counter terror police would be working “around the clock” and thanked 41 witnesses who had come forward to assist police.

Of two victims who were admitted to Royal Berkshire Hospital, one has been discharged and one is in a stable condition.

On Saturday night, several armed police officers were seen going into a block of flats off Basingstoke Road in Reading but it is unclear whether this was linked to the attack.

On Sunday, a third of the town around Forbury Gardens remained sealed off and a police helicopter continued to hover almost 18 hours after the attack.

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

One reads: “There are no words that anyone can say to express how horrible and senseless this was.

“Our prayers are with all the victims and their families and friends. #Readingstandsunited.”

Another card simply said: “#Readingweeps. I could not sleep. I had to come and say goodbye.”

Tributes left near the scene of the attack
PA

Mr Campbell added: “We would like to hear from anyone who has video footage.

“Out of respect for those deceased and injured, along with their loved ones, please do not circulate this footage on social media – this will be incredibly distressing.”

Footage of the aftermath of the incident appeared online on Saturday evening.

The Prime Minister has held a meeting with security officials, police and senior ministers over the incident.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in