Johnson ‘appalled’ as terror attack kills three
Three dead and three injured in terror attack
THE PRIME Minister has said he was “appalled and sickened” after police declared the murder of three people in a Reading park to be a terrorist attack.
The incident, which took place at 7pm on Saturday in Forbury Gardens in the town centre, also left another three people injured.
A 25-year-old man from Reading was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and was last night being held in custody.
One witness described how he had stood staring without even blinking as he was arrested.
Deliveroo driver Amir Hadyoon, 31, saw the suspect who was covered in blood arrested outside the job centre on Friar Street in Reading, a short distance from Forbury Gardens.
Mr Hadyoon told reporters the man had not resisted the officers, adding: “To me it looked very weird because he didn’t say a word. He didn’t care, he was just staring... he was just completely silent.
“He wasn’t even blinking, he looked really weird.”
Investigators have said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack.
Boris Johnson said he is “appalled and sickened” by the suspected terror attack and pledged “we will not hesitate to take action” if there are lessons to be learned.
He held a meeting with security officials, police and senior ministers over the incident and in Downing Street said he is “appalled and sickened that people should lose their lives in this way and our thoughts are very much with the family and the friends of the victims today”.
“I’ve obviously talked to the chief constable at Thames Valley Police, thanked him and his officers for their bravery in tackling the suspect. Thames Valley Police said the attack was being treated as terrorism and counter-terrorism police would now be taking over the investigation.
A SCHOOL has paid tribute to one of its teachers who has been named as one of the victims of a terror attack in a Reading park.
Teacher James Furlong has been named locally as one of the three victims following the incident on Saturday evening.
Mr Furlong was head of history, government and politics at The Holt School in Wokingham, and died during the incident, which took place at 7pm on Saturday in Forbury Gardens, in the town centre. Co-headteachers Anne Kennedy and Katie Pearce paid tribute to Mr Furlong, and described him as a “kind and gentle man” who had a “real sense of duty and cared for each and every one of our students”.
In a statement, they said: “He truly inspired everyone he taught through his passion for his subject and his dedication. He was determined that our students would develop a critical awareness of global issues and in doing so become active citizens and have a voice.
“As a Holt community, we all now need to absorb this sad news. Counsellors will be available for students and staff.
“Words cannot describe our shock and sadness at this time. Our thoughts are with his mum, dad, brother and family, and his friends and colleagues.
“He was a cherished colleague and he will be sadly missed.”
Former pupils have paid tribute to the “inspirational” teacher, describing him as “the best”.
Jade Simon, a pupil at The Holt from 2012-2017, said: “He really was an incredible teacher.
“He was funny and kind and always made history fun and enterThe
Words cannot describe our shock and sadness at this time.
A statement by the victim’s co-headteachers Anne Kennedy and Katie Pearce
taining. History was always one of my favourite subjects and Mr Furlong always encouraged it.”
Keith Power, whose daughter attends the school, said: “He was a wonderful man. He was so helpful and supportive of my daughter. He had a real passion for history and teaching and was so caring of his pupils.
“It’s so senseless. So much hatred in the world right now. I fear for my kid’s futures.”
incident, which police are treating as a terrorist attack, left three dead and another three people injured. A 25-year-old man from Reading was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody.
Chief Con 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 Counter-Terror Police South East (CTPSE) as they progress their investigation.”
He asked the public to avoid the area and also to “avoid speculation” about the attack as he appealed for any video footage to be shared with police only.
“Out of respect for those deceased and injured, along with their loved ones, please do not circulate this footage on social media – this will be incredibly distressing.”
Footage of the aftermath where victims received first aid appeared online on Saturday evening. The Prime Minister has held a meeting with security officials, police and senior Ministers, with counter-terror police leading the investigation.