Thames Valley Police confirmed in a statement that three people died after an incident in Reading park, adding that a murder investigation has been launched on the matter, as a 25-year-old suspect has been taken into custody.
The statement also clarified that the case is currently not viewed as terror-related, however, "officers are keeping an open mind as to the motivation for the incident".
“This is not currently being treated as a terrorism incident, however officers are keeping an open mind as to the motivation for the incident and are being supported by colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing South East", Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter, Head of Crime, said in a statement.
*UPDATE*
— Thames Valley Police (@ThamesVP) June 21, 2020
We have launched a murder investigation following the deaths of three people in Reading yesterday after an incident in Forbury Gardens.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
More details: https://t.co/U9GDMkyTP7 pic.twitter.com/Rfb0Iwz2Pk
Earlier, Sky News, citing unnamed sources, reported that the incident is believed to be "terror-related".
BREAKING: A source has told Sky News they believe the multiple stabbing incident in Reading is terror-related.
— SkyNews (@SkyNews) June 20, 2020
More on this story: https://t.co/kTykWNm6Rb pic.twitter.com/NiCdWvlWq5
Earlier, the police confirmed that "a number of people" had been injured and taken to hospital after an incident in Reading park, announcing that one man had been arrested at the scene. A police cordon has been placed around Forbury Gardens, and people are asked to stay away from the area.
According to initial local media reports, two air ambulances were called to the park as reports emerged that at least 12 people had been stabbed, and at least 3 people had died during the attack.
The Telegraph earlier reported, citing sources, that "three individuals declared dead at the scene and two transferred to the emergency department of Royal Berkshire Hospital".
The number of those dead or injured has not been confirmed.
A number of people sustained injuries and were taken to hospital.
— Thames Valley Police (@ThamesVP) June 20, 2020
A police cordon is in place in Forbury Gardens as officers investigate.
We are asking the public to avoid the area at this time.
Earlier, police said that they were aware of reports of an incident in the Reading park, saying that "officers are on the scene and investigating the incident".
We are aware of reports of an incident in Forbury Gardens, Reading.
— Thames Valley Police (@ThamesVP) June 20, 2020
Officers are on the scene and investigating the incident.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. reacting to the incident, said that his "thoughts are with all of those affected" and thanked the emergency services on the scene.
My thoughts are with all of those affected by the appalling incident in Reading and my thanks to the emergency services on the scene.
— Boris Johnson #StayAlert (@BorisJohnson) June 20, 2020
UK Interior Minister Priti Patel expressed concern about the reports, noting that, "My thoughts are with everyone involved, including police and emergency responders at the scene".
Deeply concerned to hear reports of an incident in Reading.
— Priti Patel (@pritipatel) June 20, 2020
My thoughts are with everyone involved, including police and emergency responders at the scene.
Kit Malthouse, NW Hampshire's Minister for Crime & Policing, expressed sympathies to "all affected", urging not to speculate on the incident.
An horrific, dreadful incident. Deepest sympathies to all affected.
— Kit Malthouse MP #StayAlertSaveLives (@kitmalthouse) June 20, 2020
Please do not speculate or share footage online. Help the police. All information should be provided to @ThamesVP https://t.co/eVPVKFlKx7
Twitter users shared alleged photos and graphic video from the scene.
@LBCNews
— peter (@astonvilla8080) June 20, 2020
DEVELOPING: Fatalities reported after multiple people stabbed at park in Reading, UK pic.twitter.com/LqSrMfca1h
One shared video showed an X2 Air Ambulance helicopter landing in the area.
X2 Air Ambulances flying into Kings Meadow Park due to the Forbury Gardens incident in Reading😟 pic.twitter.com/d6F4WEk1p8
— Libi Button (@LOOBEANS87) June 20, 2020
The National Police Chiefs' Council has called against "speculation or sharing of video or images of the serious incident in Reading", advising that the curious follow Thames Valley Police updates on the situation.
Please avoid speculation or sharing of video or images of the serious incident in Reading. An investigation will be ongoing. Follow @ThamesVP for updates.
— National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) (@PoliceChiefs) June 20, 2020
Reacting to the incident, the leader of the Reading Council, Jason Brock expressed his gratitude to the police and emergency services, assuring they will have his support.
My thoughts are with all those injured tonight. The Police and emergency services responding have my gratitude and full support and I’d ask everyone in our town to continue to keep clear and let them carry out their work. https://t.co/FvLZ3f1Hmw
— Cllr Jason Brock (@JN_Brock) June 20, 2020
Earlier, he warned people against visiting the area, describing the scene as "a serious incident".
Concerning reports from Reading town centre - please stay clear of the area as Police are dealing with a serious incident. @ReadingCouncil are in touch with the emergency services and will support them as necessary. #rdguk
— Cllr Jason Brock (@JN_Brock) June 20, 2020
Earlier today, a peaceful Black Lives Matter demonstration took place in the park, and it is not known whether there is any connection to the incident.
