THREE PEOPLE have been killed and a further three left seriously injured following multiple stabbings at a park in Reading, England.
The attack took place in Forbury Gardens some time around 7pm on Saturday evening.
Thames Valley Police confirmed a 25-year-old man from Reading was arrested at the scene of the incident and is being held on suspicion of murder.
Police are not seeking any additional suspects.
Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter said: "We have made one arrest and at this stage we are not looking for any other people in connection with this incident.
“There is no intelligence to suggest that there is any further danger to the public, however we urge people to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious by calling police.”
A Black Lives Matter protest was held in Reading earlier on Saturday, however Mr Hunter was keen to stress there was no connection between the demonstration and the stabbings.
“I can confirm that this incident is not connected. It occurred around three hours after the protest had concluded,” he said.
An horrific, dreadful incident. Deepest sympathies to all affected.
Please do not speculate or share footage online. Help the police. All information should be provided to @ThamesVP https://t.co/eVPVKFlKx7— Kit Malthouse MP (@kitmalthouse) June 20, 2020
“Police cordons continue to be in place and are likely to be for some time as we work to establish the circumstances of what has happened. You will also see an increased police presence in the area as we continue to make enquiries.
“I would urge the public to avoid the area at this time and thank the community for their patience.
“The thoughts of everyone at Thames Valley Police are with those who have been affected by this tragic incident and I understand the concern that this will have caused amongst the community.
“Please be assured that safety of the public is our primary concern and we will do all that we can to investigate this incident robustly and bring those responsible to justice.”
Nieema Hassan, an organiser of the Reading BLM protest, said that demonstrators had already dispersed by the time the attack occurred.
"In terms of the protest and people that attended from Black Lives Matter, we’re all safe, none of us are affected,” she wrote on Facebook.
“I have goosebumps knowing that this has happened only a few hours after we all peacefully came together today to talk about change and equality and it’s pretty heartbreaking that this day has been tarnished with violence.”
My thoughts are with all of those affected by the appalling incident in Reading and my thanks to the emergency services on the scene.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) June 20, 2020
Reacting to the incident, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night tweeted: “My thoughts are with all of those affected by the appalling incident in Reading and my thanks to the emergency services on the scene.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel also said in a statement: “This evening we saw a senseless attack on people simply enjoying a Saturday evening with family and friends.
“My heart, prayers and thoughts are with all of those affected and to the people of Reading who will be deeply shocked and concerned by this terrible incident.
“I am in contact with the police and will ensure they have all the support they need. I would like to thank Thames Valley Police and the emergency services for their response.”
