Reading terror attack: First victim named as security sources say Khairi Saadallah may have wanted to join Islamist group abroad
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Three people have died and another three lie injured after being stabbed by a knife-wielding assailant in a park in Reading on Saturday evening, Thames Valley Police have confirmed.
The attack took place at around 7pm in Forbury Gardens in the town centre, with police subsequently arresting 25-year-old Libyan national Khairi Saadallah at the scene on suspicion of murder. They now say the are investigating the matter as terror-related, with security sources telling The Independent that he may have tried to travel abroad to join an Islamist group.
“Kind and gentle” teacher James Furlong was named by The Holt School as one of those killed. In response to the “appalling” incident, prime minister Boris Johnson has said that “if there are changes that need to be made to our legal system to stop such events happening again, we will not hesitate to take that action”.
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Man killed in attack identified as teacher at Wokingham school
The Holt School in Wokingham has said that James Furlong, its head of history and government and politics, is among the three killed in the attack.
A letter from the school, which has been shared online, describes Mr Furlong as a "kind and gentle man" who had a "real sense of duty and cared for each and every one of our students".
It continues: "He truly inspired everyone he taught through his passion for his subject and his dedication. He was determined that our students would develop a critical awareness of global issues and in doing so become active citizens and have a voice."
Former pupils have described him as "simply the best".
'No doubt' that swift police response averted further harm, Thames Valley Police Federation chair says
“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," Thames Valley Police Federation Chairman Craig O’Leary said in a statement.
“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.
“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.”
Former pupils at The Holt School have paid tribute to "inspirational" teacher James Furlong, describing him as "the best".
"He really was an incredible teacher," Jade Simon, a pupil at The Holt from 2012-2017, told PA.
"He was funny and kind and always made history fun and entertaining. History was always one of my favourite subjects and Mr Furlong always encouraged it."
Keith Power, whose daughter attends the school, said: "He was a wonderful man. He was so helpful and supportive of my daughter. He had a real passion for history and teaching and was so caring of his pupils.
"It's so senseless. So much hatred in the world right now. I fear for my kids' futures."
Peter Stubley has more details on the school's announcement that Mr Furlong was one of those killed in yesterday's attack.
It is the fourth suspected terrorist knife attack in six months, following those at Fishmongers’ Hall in November, HMP Whitemoor prison in January and Streatham in February, our defence editor Kim Sengupta reports.
On 4 November, the UK's terror threat level was lowered from severe to substantial, and officials said there had been “positive developments” in reducing the risk of attacks.
Suspect rearrested under Terrorism Act
Police have issued a new statement confirming the 25-year-old suspect has been rearrested under the Terrorism Act.
Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes said: “The investigation continues to move at a fast pace.
“We know that the suspect entered into Forbury Gardens in the centre of Reading and attacked members of the public with a knife leaving three people dead and three people needing hospital treatment.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families who will be mourning loved ones after this horrific act, and to all those who have been affected by it. We continue to work with the coroner to formally identify those who have died and to inform and support their relatives."
DCS Barnes added: “I would like to reiterate earlier requests that people show restraint by not sharing any images and footage of the attack on social media.
“I am also appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the attack or who has information that might assist the investigation to contact Thames Valley Police by calling 101 and quoting Operation Vaselike. If you have any videos or footage that you filmed during the incident please share it with us via www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk.”
The suspect has been rearrested under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which simply allows an officer to arrest a person whom he reasonably suspects to be a terrorist, without a warrant.
Detectives also asked people not to speculate on the identity of the suspect, who has been named by security sources as a Libyan man, Khairi Saadallah.
The statement adds: "Police are aware of reports of speculation as to the identity of the suspect, but would ask people to avoid speculating to protect the integrity of the investigation.
"A number of police cordons remain in place around Reading whilst detectives from CTPSE (Counter Terrorism Policing South East) work though the crime scene and we thank everyone for their patience and understanding."
DCS Barnes continued: “We continue to work closely with Thames Valley Police and our partners to investigate the motives behind this appalling attack but we are confident this is an isolated incident.
"Finally I would like to take this opportunity encourage the public to remain vigilant. If you see or hear something suspicious, trust your instincts and ACT. Report it to police in confidence via gov.uk/ACT and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity to police, in confidence, via gov.uk/ACT or 0800 789 321.
“In an emergency the public should always call 999. If you get caught up in the event of a weapons attack we urge you to follow the Run, Hide, Tell advice.”
The police say that there will be no further updates on the investigation today.
'Very sad to hear a teacher was among the victims'
Confirmation that history teacher James Furlong was one of the three people killed in the Reading terror attack has prompted a statement from Education secretary Gavin Williamson.
He tweeted: "My thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed and injured in Reading. Very sad to hear that a teacher, James Furlong, was among the victims. Tributes paid by his colleagues reflect how much he will be missed."
