Police investigating Reading terror attack charge man, 25, with three counts of murder and three of attempted murder
- Police investigating an attack in Reading have charged Khairi Saadallah, 25, with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder
- Three men died after the incident in the Berkshire town’s Forbury Gardens
- Saadallah is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday
Police investigating a suspected terror attack in Reading have charged Khairi Saadallah, 25, with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.
The charges come following an investigation into the incident at Forbury Gardens in Reading on June 20, where a number of people were stabbed.
James Furlong, 36, and his friends David Wails and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett died after the incident in the Berkshire town’s Forbury Gardens shortly before 7pm on June 20.
It was later declared a terrorist incident by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dean Haydon, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing.
Saadallah is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday.
The family of one of the three men killed have praised police for their ‘remarkable bravery’ ahead of a vigil in memory of the victims.
Police investigating a suspected terror attack at Reading have charged Khairi Saadallah, 25, with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder
Mr Furlong’s family released a new tribute on Saturday thanking those who had rushed to help the three men in the aftermath of the attack.
Reading Borough Council is due to hold a vigil at 7pm in memory of the friends, marking a week since the deadly attack.
Mr Furlong’s family said: ‘We would like to start by thanking the police for their ongoing help, including their remarkable bravery. They have been a pillar of support.
‘Equally, we would like to express our gratitude to the emergency services, members of the public and the wider Reading community, who did all they could to help and save the lives of those who had been injured that night.’
The statement added: ‘To James’ colleagues and pupils at the Holt School: he spoke often of how much he loved where he worked and his passion for developing the students. He cared so much and was very proud of each and every one of you.
A police officer stands guard outside a cordoned-off block of flats in Reading, June 23, 2020
‘James was passionate about creating a more loving and caring society. His time with us was cut far too short but the impact he made will live on, long long into the future. His family, his friends and those who have met him – he made us all a better person.
‘We are so proud of him. James was, and always will be, so very much loved by us all.’
The family of Mr Ritchie-Bennett released a statement, telling of their ‘deep sorrow’.
The statement said: ‘We LOVED (sic) Joe so much and we are in such deep sorrow. We need all the prayers for Joe and the Ritchie and Bennett families.’
Reading Borough Council reassured those affected by the attack that they will hold in-person remembrance events in the future when social distancing allows.
Council leader Jason Brock said: ‘There is an overwhelming sense of grief within the Reading community about last Saturday’s tragic events.
‘The council and public are united in their desire to mourn the victims and appropriately remember them.
‘We are encouraging people to pay their respects with us online on Saturday evening, and also to mourn and contribute via the book of condolence and supporting the @ReadingTogether fund.’
Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police John Campbell said: ‘In times of such tragedy, we often see the best of our communities and that has certainly been the case in Reading. I know it will take time for everyone to heal but we stand alongside you and will do all that we can to support you, as your police.’