James Furlong: Family pay tribute to ‘wonderful’ schoolteacher killed in Reading terror attack

‘He was beautiful, intelligent, honest and fun,’ say parents Gary and Janet

The family of James Furlong have led tributes to the ‘exceptional’ schoolteacher after he was named as one of three people killed in the Reading terror attack.

His parents Gary and Janet, in a statement released through police, said: “James was a wonderful man. He was beautiful, intelligent, honest and fun.

“He was the best son, brother, uncle and partner you could wish for. We are thankful for the memories he gave us all. We will never forget him and he will live in our hearts forever.”

The Holt School in Wokingham described Mr Furlong, the head of history and government and politics, as a “kind and gentle man” who had a “real sense of duty and cared for each and every one of our students”.

Anne Kennedy and Katie Pearce, the school’s joint headteachers, said: “We are so very sad to report that on Saturday 20th June, James Furlong, our wonderfully talented and inspirational Head of History and Government and Politics was tragically killed in the terrorist incident at Forbury Gardens in Reading.

“James was a very kind and gentle man; he had a real sense of duty and cared for each and every one of our students. 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.

Teacher James Furlong was described as 'simply the best' by pupils (Family handout/Thames Valley Police)

“As a Holt community, we all now need to absorb this sad news. Counsellors will be available for students and staff. Words cannot describe our shock and sadness at this time. Our thoughts are with his mum, dad, brother and family, and his friends and colleagues.

“He was a cherished colleague and he will be sadly missed.”

Furlong was one of three people who died after being stabbed in a park in the centre of Reading at around 7pm on Saturday. Several others were injured before the attacker was “rugby-tackled” to the ground by a police officer as he tried to escape.

The suspect, 25-year-old Libyan asylum seeker Khairi Saadallah, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East have taken over the investigation after declaring the stabbings to be a terrorist incident.

Security sources said Mr Saadallah came to their attention in 2019 when they received information suggesting he was seeking to join an Islamist group in the Middle East. However detectives said there was no evidence any other people were involved in the attack.

Police have not yet formally identified any of the victims while they attempt to notify next of kin.

Former pupils have described Furlong as “simply the best”. Jade Simon, a former pupil at The Holt, said: “He really was an incredible teacher. 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 kid’s futures.”

James Furlong (Vagner Vidal/Hyde News & Pictures Ltd) (Vagner Vidal/Hyde News & Pictures Ltd)

A Cambridge undergraduate named Meg tweeted: “James Furlong was one of the most influential and exceptional people in my life. He fostered my love of history, nurtured me, and taught me resilience and kindness. The four years I spent with him were precious, and deeply treasured. I am absolutely devastated.

Will Bailey-Watson, a lecturer in history education at the University of Reading, wrote: “James Furlong was a kind and giving man. He was an inspirational mentor for new teachers.

“I learnt something from him every time we chatted about history teaching. This is so so unfair. My thoughts are with James’ family, friends and everyone in the Holt School community.”

Another, with the Twitter handle Vicky Barlow, said: “Mr James Furlong was such a lovely man and teacher. Its so distressing to hear what happened to him in Forbury Gardens.

“He could light up a room with his warm energy and jokes. He would always skip around school singing a tune. Thank u sir for all of your support and motivation.”

One former pupil wrote: “RIP to those who lost their lives yesterday, one of which was a good friend of mine who was my GCSE history teacher back in the day. Nobody deserves to die in such a horrible way. Really hits home, Thinking of their families. RIP James Furlong, fly high.”

Another said: “Mr James Furlong was one of my favourite teachers in the world. In year 9 he showed me that I could still enjoy school, and also how to be proud of who I am. Every day he was a cheerful and inspiring presence and the world is a darker place without him. Rest in peace, Sir.”

The school has cancelled all lessons on Monday but counsellors will be available for students wishing to come in to talk.

Responding to the news, Wokingham Labour tweeted: “Devastated to discover that James Furlong, one of the victims of the Reading stabbings, was a teacher at the Holt.

“His loss is a devastating blow to his family, colleagues, students, the wider Holt family and our whole community. Our thoughts are with them all.”

Earlier Boris Johnson said he was ”appalled and sickened that people should lose their lives in this way” and pledged “we will not hesitate to take action” if there are lessons to be learned.

Additional reporting by Press Association