Thames Valley Police’s top chief said there is ‘no wider risk’ to the public following yesterday’s “horrific” terror attack at Reading’s Forbury Gardens but there will be more officers around the town in the coming days. 

Three people have died and three more are seriously injured following a 25-year-old man’s knife rampage. 

The man has been arrested and is now in police custody.

Read more – Forbury Gardens latest:

This morning, Thames Valley Police Chief Constable John Campbell gave an update to reporters about the situation.

His main points included:

  • There is no wider risk to the public following the incident
  • Officers apprehended a man within five minutes of receiving a call at 6.56pm last night.
  • He could not give more details about the investigation at the present time
  • He urged members of the public with information or videos to speak to the police rather than posting online
  • Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack
  • There will be an increased police presence around the town in the coming days, and cordons will remain in place
  • He thanked the emergency services and residents for their help in solving this case

His full statement:

"As you will be aware, last night a murder investigation was launched by TVP officers, and this has now been declared a terrorist incident.

"At 6.56pm we received a report that a number of people had been stabbed in Forbury Gardens.

“Tragically, three people have died and others injured in this attack.

"Lives have been devastated and at this time the thoughts of all my officers and staff at TVP are with those who have been affected by this incident.

"Within five minutes of the first call, officers have apprehended a man and made an arrest. He remains in police custody at this time.

"I am sure we would all like to recognise the bravery of those police officers responding, but also that a number of members of the public were helping my officers and the victims at what was a very distressing scene. My thanks go to them too.

"I would like to reassure you that at this stage we do not believe there to be a wider risk to the public and to reiterate that there is nothing to suggest that anyone else was involved with this incident.

"I am not in a position to talk about the man who has been arrested or give any details about this case.

"It is really important that we do not compromise the investigation.

"I would like to take this opportunity to ask the public and media to refrain from speculation.

"If you saw what happened or have a video of this incident please get in touch with police rather than by sharing this on social media.

"It is also important to note that the process of contacting next of kin is ongoing. Please keep this in mind when commenting or resharing anything in regards to this incident - it is incredibly distressing for all of those involved.

"We don't perceive this will be any further risk in respect of this matter and we are not looking for anybody else at this time but there will be an increased police presence for some time.

"Overnight as the investigation continued I am aware that the community of Reading has been impacted by this event to allow these inquiries to take place.

"I would like to thank residents affected. Police cordons will continue to be in place and I understand that this may cause disruption to you, but this is so vital that the police investigation can continue and I know you will understand this.

"You will see an increase in police presence. If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to question them.

"I'm proud of your response to this terrible incident as well as that of our emergency services and of course my officers and staff.”

After closing his statement, Thames Valley Police Chief Constable John Campbell answered questions from the media. 

Here’s what he had to say. 

Q1: What can you say about contrary reports that a man was arrested in a block of flats?

A: I'm not aware of anyone being arrested in a block of flats. We have one person in custody.

Q2: Was the person in custody known to the police?
A: As I said, I can't answer any questions in respect of the investigation

Q3: Can you describe the scene that emergency services came across?
A: Well you can imagine that the scene was pretty horrific. We had a number of officers that were in the community because they were patrolling around Reading, and they were there very quickly.

But we also had a number of people in the park that were witnesses to this incident, and they saw the terrible tragedy unfold. So you can imagine both for my officers and for those involved it was very distressing, and we do all we can to make sure we are supporting them as well as progressing the criminal inquiry."

Q4: Can you tell us anymore about the victim?
A: I'm not in any position to tell you about the victims, as I said we are still in the process of contacting next of kin so it would be inappropriate to share details.

Q5: What reassurance can you give to Reading residents that this is just going to be an isolated incident?
A: Well as I said in the message that we don't perceive there to be any further risk in respect of this matter and we are not looking for anyone else at this time.

But we will continue with our reassurance patrols in and around Reading and there will be an increased police presence for some time."