UK: 3 KILLED IN KNIFE ATTACK

Libyan man in his 20s arrested in connection with the knife attack at a park in Reading town

Three people were killed when a man went on a stabbing spree at a park in central Reading, in an attack the Scotland Yard on Sunday described as a terrorism incident.

LONDON: Three people were killed and three others seriously injured when a man went on a stabbing spree at a park in central Reading on Saturday, in an attack the Scotland Yard on Sunday described as a terrorism incident.

The suspect, identified in reports as Khairi Saadallah, a Libyan-origin man aged 25, was arrested by the British police on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “appalled and sickened” by the incident which took place on Saturday.

The attack took place in the

Forbury Gardens in central Reading, which is about 65km west of London. Witnesses said the park at the time was full of people, when the man walked through, shouted something and slashed at people.

Neil Basu, the head of counter terrorism policing at Scotland Yard, said: “From our inquiries so far, officers have found nothing to suggest that there was anyone else involved in this attack and presently we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident.”

“Although the motivation for this horrific act is far from certain, counter terrorism policing have taken responsibility for leading the investigation.”

The local Thames Valley police sought video footage of the incident from the public. Chief constable John Campbell said: “I am deeply saddened by the events of last night. This was a truly tragic incident and the thoughts of Thames Valley Police are with all those who have been affected.”

“I would urge the public to avoid the area at this time and thank the community for their patience. We will let you know as soon as the area is back open. I would also ask that the public avoid speculation,” he added.

The UK’s terrorism threat level was lowered in November 2019 from ‘severe’ to ‘substantial’, which means an attack was likely.

REUTERS Police officers carry flowers left by people next to the police cordon at the scene of multiple stabbings in Reading, Britain.