UK

Multiple stabbing in Reading may be terror-related – security source

Thames Valley Police say man arrested after attack has been taken into custody

A police cordon in central Reading, following a multiple stabbing incident at Forbury Gardens park. Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty

Sat Jun 20 2020 - 23:11

At least two people have been rushed to hospital with stab wounds after being attacked in Reading town centre in England.

The casualties were taken to the emergency unit of the Royal Berkshire Hospital for treatment after an incident in Forbury Gardens, a spokeswoman told the PA news agency.

Thames Valley Police said a man was arrested at the scene and taken into custody. The multiple stabbing is suspected to be terror-related, a security source told PA.

A source said there had been three fatalities, but this has not been confirmed by police or emergency services.

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A statement said officers and other emergency services attended at about 7pm, adding: “A number of people sustained injuries and were taken to hospital.

“A police cordon is in place in Forbury Gardens as officers investigate.

“We are asking the public to avoid the area at this time.”

A Black Lives Matter protest had taken place at the park earlier in the day. Thames Valley Police said: “There is no indication that this incident is linked to the Black Lives Matter protest that took place in Reading today.”

Two air ambulances and several police vehicles responded to the attack, with images on social media showing a significant police presence.

Home secretary Priti Patel tweeted that she was "deeply concerned" by reports of the incident.

“My thoughts are with everyone involved, including police and emergency responders at the scene,” she added.

Emergency services at Forbury Gardens in Reading town centre, where they responded to a “serious incident” involving stabbings. Photograph: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

It is understood Ms Patel is being kept updated on the situation.

The leader of Reading Council Jason Brock tweeted: "Concerning reports from Reading town centre – please stay clear of the area as police are dealing with a serious incident."

One eyewitness, who said he was around 10 metres from the scene, said the attack looked “completely random”.

Lawrence Wort (20), a personal trainer from Chippenham, told PA: "So the park was pretty full, a lot of people sat around drinking with friends when one lone person walked through, suddenly shouted some unintelligible words and went around a large group of around 10, trying to stab them.

“He stabbed three of them, severely in the neck, and under the arms, and then turned and started running towards me, and we turned and started running.

“When he realised that he couldn’t catch us, he tried to stab another group sat down, he got one person in the back of the neck and then when he realised everyone was starting to run, he ran out the park.”

Freelance journalist Claire Gould, who lives near the scene, told PA she saw the emergency air ambulance vehicles land on the nearby Kings Meadow on Saturday evening as a police helicopter circled overhead.

She described hearing lots of sirens and said surrounding roads and a retail park had been cordoned off by officers.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said his "thoughts are with all of those affected by the appalling incident in Reading". He added: "My thanks to the emergency services on the scene."

British policing minister Kit Malthouse tweeted: "An horrific, dreadful incident. Deepest sympathies to all affected. Please do not speculate or share footage online. Help the police. All information should be provided to ThamesVP."

Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer has described the stabbing in Reading as "very concerning". He urged people to listen to the National Police Chiefs' Council and not share footage of the incident that has been circulated online. He tweeted: "Very concerning reports from Reading. Thank you to the police and other emergency service personnel responding. Please follow the advice of the Police Chiefs". – PA

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