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21st Jun 2020

Police confirm stabbings in Reading are being treated as a terrorist incident

Alan Loughnane

Norway bow and arrow attacker health services

Three people were killed in the incident.

Three people died and three more were seriously injured after stabbings in a park in Reading on Saturday night.

The attack took place at around 7pm in Forbury Gardens in the town centre.

Counter Terrorism Policing in the UK have confirmed that the stabbing incident has now been declared a terrorist incident.

A 25-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder last night, remains in police custody at this time.

“This was a truly tragic incident and the thoughts of Thames Valley Police are with all those who have been affected,” Chief Constable John Campbell of Thames Valley Police said.

“Incidents of this nature are very rare, though I know that will be of little comfort to those involved and understand the concern that this incident will have caused amongst our local community.

“We will be working closely with our partners over the coming days and weeks to support the Reading community during this time, as well as with CTPSE as they progress their investigation.”

Campbell confirmed the investigation has been taken over by the Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE).

He called on the public to avoid speculation and to avoid sharing any videos of the scene or the incident on social media.

On social media on Saturday night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote: “My thoughts are with all of those affected by the appalling incident in Reading and my thanks to the emergency services on the scene.”

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