Three people have been killed in what Counter Terrorism Policing have confirmed as a terrorist incident in Reading.
A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after an incident in Forbury Gardens last night, with counter terrorism police now taking over the investigation.
The man remains in custody. He is a Libyan national and had committed a previous offence, not terrorism related, resulting in a jail term of at least 12 months.
A number of people were injured in the incident, with eyewitnesses saying a man stabbed people in groups sitting in the park.
*UPDATE*
— Thames Valley Police (@ThamesVP) June 21, 2020
We have launched a murder investigation following the deaths of three people in Reading yesterday after an incident in Forbury Gardens.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
More details: https://t.co/U9GDMkyTP7 pic.twitter.com/Rfb0Iwz2Pk
The whole area has been cordoned off by police, who say the cordon will remain in place for some time.
The incident is not related to a BLM event which happened in the park earlier that day.
Police have asked people not to share footage of the scene on social media and have asked witnesses to speak to them instead.
1/3 Our SCAS ambulance teams and partners were called this evening to an incident of a stabbing in Reading.
— South Central Ambulance Service (@SCAS999) June 20, 2020
Multiple ambulance resources were sent to the scene including, five ambulance crews, one specialist practitioner, three ambulance officers,
Thames Valley Police Federation Chairman Craig O'Leary said: “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.
“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.”
There is no indication that this incident is linked to the Black Lives Matter protest that took place in Reading today.
— Thames Valley Police (@ThamesVP) June 20, 2020
Home Secretary Priti Patel has tweeted she is 'deeply concerned' about the incident.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said his thoughts are 'with all those affected.'
More follows.
We are aware of reports of an incident in Forbury Gardens, Reading.
— Thames Valley Police (@ThamesVP) June 20, 2020
Officers are on the scene and investigating the incident.
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