KNIFEMAN IN RAMPAGE AT PARK
● Man held after daylight stabbing horror in Reading ● Three are feared dead and two fight for life in hospital ● Home Secretary tweets she is ‘concerned’ over attack
THREE people were feared dead last night after a multiple stabbing in a park.
Several others were injured in the rampage in Reading town centre. A man has been arrested.
It was reported that three people died at the scene and two more were in critical care at hospital.
Police would not confirm reports of injuries or fatalities, although it is understood officers are treating the
the attack as random. Home Secretary Priti Patel last night tweeted: “Deeply concerned to hear reports of an incident in Reading. My thoughts are with everyone involved, including police and emergency responders at the scene.”
Earlier in the day a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest had taken place in the park, although it is not thought to be connected to the attack.
The incident sparked a major police response and two air ambulances to be sent. A police helicopter called after the incident and 150 people were evacuated from the park.
Thames Valley Police said: “Police have arrested a man following a stabbing in Reading today. A number of people sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
“We would ask members of the public not to share images or videos of the incident on social media, but instead to report these to the police.”
Graphic video footage also surfaced on social media which revealed three people lying on the grass and a pool of blood after the attack. One victim could be seen having CPR.
A Twitter user urged people not to watch the coverage and warned: “The videos are sickening of this.
“This is terrifying, thoughts are with all those who have lost their lives and their loved ones. Hope those still fighting for theirs pull through.” Police sealed off a large area of the park after the incident which was initially reported at 7.30pm.
One witness tweeted: “I saw emergency services performing CPR on someone.”
Another Twitter user wrote: “It’s terrible I can’t believe it happened in broad daylight! What’s happening to Reading?”
And a third added: “Absolutely crazy. A mate was there and saw it all unfold, said it was absolutely shocking.” Roads around the park were sealed off and armed police patrolled the scene. Last night, Nieema Hassan, who said she had helped organise the Black Lives Matter protest, stressed it was nothing to do with the campaign.
The protesters had all left by the time it took place, she said.
She added: “I’m literally praying for the people that have been affected and I hope they are OK.”
Reading West MP Alok Sharma tweeted: “My thoughts are very much with all at @Thamesvp and others who are dealing with this incident and those who have been affected.”