Patel promises ‘swift justice’ after attack
PRITI Patel vowed “justice will be done” after the sickening terror rampage in Reading.
The Home Secretary warned the threat posed by lone terrorists is growing after the knife attack that left three people dead.
Ms Patel insisted the Government will not hesitate to act if the probe into the attack shows tougher measures are needed.
She also hailed the heroic police officers who showed “courage, bravery and selflessness” when they ran towards danger to protect the public in Forbury Gardens. Ms
Patel said: “Our world-class counter-terrorism, police and security services have my unequivocal backing as they hunt down hate-fuelled terrorists and extremists.
“So my message is clear, simple and strong – swift justice will be done.
“Victims will be supported and if further action is needed to stop terrorists in their tracks, this Government will not hesitate to act.
“These officers, a few of whom were student officers, ran towards danger to help those in need without a second thought.
“A young, unarmed police officer took down the suspect without hesitation while another performed emergency first aid to those who were injured.
“These officers are heroes. They showed courage, bravery and selflessness way beyond their years.
“They are the very best of us.”
The 25-year-old suspect is understood to be Khairi Saadallah, a refugee of the civil war in Libya who briefly came to the attention of MI5 last year.
Ms Patel was challenged by Labour’s Maria Eagle, who said there were reports Saadallah was a “potential terrorist sympathiser” who was released from prison “well before the end” of his sentence 16 days before the murder spree.
She asked if he was being supervised after being released by crime and intelligence agencies. Ms Patel said it would be “thoroughly inappropriate” to comment while investigations were still being carried out.