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Reading attack: Khairi Saadallah charged with three counts of murder Reading attack: Khairi Saadallah charged with three counts of murder
(about 1 hour later)
Saadallah, 25, will appear at Westminster magistrates court on MondaySaadallah, 25, will appear at Westminster magistrates court on Monday
Khairi Saadallah, 25, has been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder after three men died and several others were injured in a knife attack in Reading on 20 June, Counter Terrorism Policing South East said. Khairi Saadallah, 25, has been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder after three men died and several others were injured in a knife attack in Reading on 20 June, Counter Terrorism Policing South East has said.
Three people died at the scene in Forbury Gardens and a further three people were taken to hospital. They have all since been released. Three people died at the scene in Forbury Gardens and a further three people were taken to hospital. They have all since been discharged.
Saadallah, of Basingstoke Road, Reading, is due to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Monday 29 June. Saadallah, of Basingstoke Road, Reading is due to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Monday 29 June.
The charge comes as the family of one of the three men killed in the attack knife praised police for their “remarkable bravery” ahead of a vigil in memory of the victims. The charges came as the family of one of the three men killed in the attack knife praised police for their “remarkable bravery”, before a vigil in memory of the victims.
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 20 June.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 20 June.
Furlong’s family released a tribute on Saturday thanking those who had rushed to help the three men in the aftermath of the attack.Furlong’s family released a tribute on Saturday thanking those who had rushed to help the three men in the aftermath of the attack.
Reading Borough Council is to hold a vigil at 7pm in memory of the friends, marking a week since the deadly attack. Reading borough council is to hold a vigil at 7pm in memory of the friends, marking a week since the deadly attack.
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.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.”“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.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.
“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.“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.”“We are so proud of him. James was, and always will be, so very much loved by us all.”
The family of Ritchie-Bennett also released a statement, telling of their “deep sorrow”.The family of Ritchie-Bennett also released a statement, telling of their “deep sorrow”.
The statement said: “We LOVED Joe so much and we are in such deep sorrow. We need all the prayers for Joe and the Ritchie-Bennett families.”The statement said: “We LOVED Joe so much and we are in such deep sorrow. We need all the prayers for Joe and the Ritchie-Bennett families.”
On Friday, police confirmed that post-mortem examinations showed each man died from single stab wounds. On Friday, police confirmed that postmortem examinations showed each man died from single stab wounds.
Three other victims were taken to hospital with stab injuries and have since been discharged. Saturday night’s vigil, which will be streamed on the council’s Facebook page, will include the lighting of a remembrance candle and messages from the community read by the mayor of Reading. People are asked to light a candle on their doorsteps or have a light in their windows as part of the vigil. The council is holding the event online due to physical distancing requirements and the restrictions on gatherings in public.
Saturday night’s vigil, which will be streamed online on the council’s Facebook page, will include the lighting of a remembrance candle and messages from the community read by the Mayor of Reading. Reading borough council reassured those affected by the attack that it will hold in-person remembrance events in the future when physical distancing allows. The council also opened an online book of condolence for people to pay tributes to the three men.
People are asked to light a candle on their doorsteps or have a light in their windows as part of the vigil. The 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.
The council is holding the event online due to social distancing requirements and the restrictions on gatherings in public.
Reading Borough Council reassured those affected by the attack that they will hold in-person remembrance events in the future when social distancing allows.
They have also opened an online book of condolence for people to pay tributes to the three men.
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.”“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. The 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.”
“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.”