Family tributes to men who died in a suspected terrorist attack

THE FAMILIES of three friends killed in a suspected terrorist attack in a Reading park have paid tribute to their loved ones.

Joe Ritchie-Bennett, 39, originally from Philadelphia in the US, history teacher James Furlong, 36, and David Wails were killed in the knife rampage at around 7pm on Saturday.

Their suspected attacker, Khairi Saadallah, 25, remains in custody after he was tackled to the ground by an unarmed police officer near the scene at Forbury Gardens and arrested on suspicion of murder.

The Libyan refugee briefly came to the attention of MI5 last year and was released from prison earlier this month after he was convicted of non-terror offences.

The victims’ families paid tribute in a statement released by police yesterday.

Mr Wails’ parents said: “David was a kind and much-loved son, brother and uncle who never hurt anyone in his life. We are broken-hearted at losing him and in such a terrible way.

“We will treasure our wonderful memories of him and he will always be with us in our hearts.”

Mr Furlong’s parents, Gary and Janet, said: “James was a wonderful man. He was beautiful, intelligent, honest and fun.

“He was the best son, brother, uncle and partner you could wish for. We are thankful for the memories he gave us all.

“We will never forget him and he will live in our hearts forever.”

And Mr Ritchie-Bennett’s father, Robert Ritchie-Bennett, said: “I was absolutely blessed and proud to be Joe’s father for 39 years and we are heartbroken by what has happened.”

A heart-shaped floral tribute to the three victims was left outside the Blagrave Arms pub, in Reading, alongside candles.

Parents of David Wails, one of three men who died in Reading on Saturday.

A note read: “The Blagrave Arms management and staff are devastated at the announcement that the three people who died in the Forbury Gardens attack on Saturday were regular customers and very dear friends of ours.

“Our hearts go out to their family and friends, and the other victims of this horrific incident.”

Michael Main, a friend of the three victims, described the “amazing, caring and beautiful men” he had known for six years.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, he recalled Mr Wail’s “dry sense of humour” and how “he would do anything for anyone that he could”. Mr Main said Mr Furlong was a “passionate” and “inspirational” teacher, while Mr Ritchie-Bennett was a “funny and a happy-go-lucky, true and unique individual”.

Mr Saadallah was tackled to the ground by an unarmed police officer who has only been in the force for 14 months, and arrested on suspicion of murder.

He was later re-arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act.

On Monday, detectives were granted a warrant of further detention until Saturday.

David was a kind and much-loved son, brother and uncle.