Reading stabbings prompt demand for mental health care review

THE shadow home secretary has called for a review of the mental health care received by a suspected knifeman in the run up to the fatal stabbing of three innocent bystanders in a Reading park.

Nick Thomas-symonds said there were “important questions” that needed to be addressed regarding the monitoring and supervision of people who for mental health reasons might pose a potential risk to the public.

Khairi Saadallah was detained in custody under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act in connection with the alleged murder of three men on Saturday.

The 25 year old, who came to the UK from Libya in 2012, had previously been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and an emotionally unstable personality disorder, according to official documents seen by The Telegraph.

James Furlong, David Wails and Joe Ritchie-bennett, were killed as they sat in a circle of about 10 people enjoying a socially distanced drink in Reading’s Forbury Gardens. A further three people were injured.

Mr Thomas-symonds told The Telegraph: “There will be important questions to address on crucial issues.

“These include a comprehensive look at the services that are in place to seek to avert such tragedies that provide monitoring and supervision of those who pose a continuing risk, support for community policing, and mental health plans.”

Police intercepted Mr Saadallah on the street after a mental healthcare team failed to find him during a routine check at his home last Friday.

Mr Saadallah’s mother, who lives in

Tripoli, Libya, earlier this week called for an investigation into her son’s previous contact with healthcare systems, saying that something had gone seriously wrong with his care.

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust did not respond to requests for comment about Mr Saadallah’s mental health treatment.