Several people stabbed in Reading park after Black Lives Matter protest

Several people are feared dead following a mass stabbing at a Reading park, two hours after a Black Lives Matter protest had taken place in the grounds.

At least two victims with stab wounds have been taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital following the ‘serious incident’ in Forbury Gardens in Reading’s town centre.

Thames Valley Police said one person had been arrested at the scene, while the Telegraph reported that three people had died after the ‘random’ attack.

Home Secretary Priti Patel, who is said to be closely monitoring the situation, said she was ‘deeply concerned’ by the incident.

A distressing video posted on social media showed four wounded people lying on grass as police officers gave them CPR.    

Forbury Gardens is the site of a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest which took place earlier on Saturday but ended two hours before the stabbings. 

There are fears that several people have died in a mass stabbing in Forbury Gardens, Reading, two hours after a Black Lives Matter protest took place 

A distressing video posted on social media showed four wounded people lying on grass as officers gave them CPR. The officers were seen running towards the people on the ground

Ms Patel added on Twitter: ‘My thoughts are with everyone involved, including police and emergency responders at the scene.’

It is understood Ms Patel is being kept updated on the situation.

Freelance journalist Claire Gould, 33, who lives near the scene, said she saw the air ambulances land on the nearby Kings Meadow as a police helicopter circled overhead.

She described hearing lots of sirens and said surrounding roads and a retail park had been cordoned off by officers. 

Home Secretary Priti Patel, who is said to be closely monitoring the situation, said she was ‘deeply concerned’ by the incident

Thames Valley Police said on Twitter: ‘Police attended at around 7pm along with other emergency services. 

‘Officers arrested a man at the scene who is now in police custody.

‘A number of people sustained injuries and were taken to hospital. 

‘A police cordon is in place in Forbury Gardens as officers investigate. We are asking the public to avoid the area at this time.’

Police are said to be treating the incident as a random attack and are not yet sure who is responsible 

A spokesman on Twitter confirmed they are investigating the attack

Two air ambulances and several police cars have responded to the incident

The leader of Reading Council, Jason Brock, urged people to stay away from the town centre.

He tweeted: ‘Concerning reports from Reading town centre – please stay clear of the area as Police are dealing with a serious incident.’ 

The organiser of Saturday’s Black Lives Matter protest which took place at the scene of the stabbings, said on Facebook the earlier demonstrations were ‘very peaceful’.

Nieema Hassan said: It [the incident] had nothing to do with the protests. 

‘They were very peaceful and we worked with police liaison officers the entire time.

‘They actually commented on how peaceful and well done and well thought out the protest was today. 

‘I am praying for the people who have been affected. I hope they are okay.’ 

A distressing video posted on social media showed four wounded people on the ground surrounded by officers in Forbury Gardens in Reading’s town centre