Police charge man with three counts of murder and three of attempted murder following Reading attack

Police investigating a suspected terror attack in Reading have charged Khairi Saadallah, 25, with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder. 

The charges follow an investigation into the incident at Forbury Gardens in Reading on June 20, where a number of people were stabbed.

James Furlong, 36, and his friends David Wails and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett died after the incident in the Berkshire town’s Forbury Gardens shortly before 7pm. 

Three other people were hospitalised. They have since been released. 

It was later declared a terrorist incident by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dean Haydon, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing.

Saadallah, a Libyan granted asylum by the Government in 2012, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday.

Meanwhile Home Secretary Priti Patel and Business Secretary Alok, the MP for Reading West, attended a vigil for the three victims today.

Speaking after the vigil, Mr Sharma said the attack had been ‘incredibly shocking for everyone in Reading, but also across the country’.

He added: ‘Our deepest sympathies and condolences go to the families who came here today and have shown such dignity at this service.

‘I also want to say that the emergency services, and I think particularly the police, were absolutely heroic in the way that they have dealt with this situation, on the day and since, with great sensitivity.

‘The event today has shown that the whole of Reading has come together and demonstrated the great community spirit that we have in our town.’ 

Cllr David Stevens, the mayor of Reading, said the incident had left the town ‘feeling a mix of horror, disbelief and immense sadness and grief’.

Ms Patel and Mr Alok Sharma were among those to light candles at the half-hour event. The co-headteachers of the Holt School where Mr Furlong taught also lit candles, while the public stood watched the vigil from the back of Market Place.

Cllr Stevens added: ‘Just one week ago, friends and families were sat in Forbury Gardens, just a few yards from here, making the most of the warm weather on a summer’s evening and enjoying one another’s company.

‘It was around now, the happiness and tranquillity of the evening was shattered in the cruellest and most horrific way.

‘Three men lost their lives and several people sustained injuries. Others were forced to witness the most horrendous scenes.

‘Last Saturday, Reading lost James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails. To their families and close friends, we can only imagine your grief.’

The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, James Puxley, paid tribute to Mr Wails, Mr Ritchie-Bennett and Mr Furlong at the vigil.

He said: ‘From what I hear they were honest, lovely, outstanding people and good law-abiding citizens. They did not deserve what happened to them. 

‘They had so many years ahead of them. Who knows what they would have achieved in life had they lived to an old age. Doubtless they would have achieved many good things that the community is now deprived of benefiting from.’

He also praised the emergency services and members of the public who helped the victims of the attack, some of whom ‘tore off their shirts to make bandages’.

Thames Valley Police chief constable John Campbell also gave his force’s condolences to the family of the victims. 

Mr Campbell said Reading should take ‘pride’ in how it has responded, which highlighted a ‘coming together of a diverse community, joined by the bond of humanity and a shared sense of injustice’.

Family members of the three men who died in the attack were the first to light candles in their memory.

Afterwards, the small group of relatives embraced in a huddle for a few moments, before speaking and laughing together. 

Mr Furlong’s family released a new tribute today thanking those who had rushed to help the three men in the aftermath of the attack. 

A statement said: ‘We would like to start by thanking the police for their ongoing help, including their remarkable bravery. They have been a pillar of support.

‘Equally, we would like to express our gratitude to the emergency services, members of the public and the wider Reading community, who did all they could to help and save the lives of those who had been injured that night.’

The statement added: ‘To James’ colleagues and pupils at the Holt School: he spoke often of how much he loved where he worked and his passion for developing the students. He cared so much and was very proud of each and every one of you.’

The family of Mr Ritchie-Bennett released a statement, telling of their ‘deep sorrow’.

The statement said: ‘We LOVED (sic) Joe so much and we are in such deep sorrow. We need all the prayers for Joe and the Ritchie and Bennett families.’ 

Reading Borough Council reassured those affected by the attack that they will hold in-person remembrance events in the future when social distancing allows. 

Council leader Jason Brock said: ‘There is an overwhelming sense of grief within the Reading community about last Saturday’s tragic events.

‘The council and public are united in their desire to mourn the victims and appropriately remember them.

‘We are encouraging people to pay their respects with us online on Saturday evening, and also to mourn and contribute via the book of condolence and supporting the #ReadingTogether fund.’

Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police John Campbell said: ‘In times of such tragedy, we often see the best of our communities and that has certainly been the case in Reading. I know it will take time for everyone to heal but we stand alongside you and will do all that we can to support you, as your police.’