THE family of Reading terror attack victim David Wails have released a statement to the 'much loved' scientist.

Mr Wails was the last victim to be named locally yesterday as one of the three men who were killed in Saturday's attack.

David's parents said in a tribute: "David was a kind and much loved son, brother and uncle who never hurt anyone in his life.

"We are broken-hearted at losing him and in such a terrible way.

"We will treasure our wonderful memories of him and he will always be with us in our hearts."

A local pub also paid tribute to the three men, who were regulars at The Blagrave, in the town centre.

Michael Main, a friend of David's, said:  "I drank with David probably every day. Every time I was in there, he was in there.

"We'd have a lot of banter. He was a banter person. He's the one that hits me the most because I know him more and it's just sad to know he's gone so early."

A note on the door of the pub said: "The Blagrave Arms management and staff are devastated at the announcement that the three people who died in the Forbury Gardens attack on Saturday were regular customers and very dear friends of ours.

"Our hearts go out to their family and friends, and the other victims of this horrific incident; out of respect for them and our customers, we will not be doing any interviews or be making any comment."

Alongside the names "Dave, James and Joe", the text said: "We will never forget you. RIP."

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The Reading-based company that David worked for, Johnson Matthey, have also provided a statement about their 'gentle, thoughtful' colleague.

They said: “We are devastated by the death of our colleague Dr Dave Wails.

"Dave was a highly valued and experienced member of the Johnson Matthey family. We can confirm that he had worked at JM since 2000 following the completion of his PhD. at the University of York and several postdoctoral positions.

"He was an expert in catalysis and much of his career focused on using science for cleaner energy applications.

"Dave was proud to use his expertise to make a positive impact on the world. He was a well-liked colleague who will be much missed.

"Dave was a gentle, thoughtful man with a dry sense of humour.

"He is recognised by his friends at JM for being an excellent coach, supporting colleagues both professionally and personally.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with Dave’s family and friends during this difficult time.

"He will be deeply missed by everyone here at Johnson Matthey.”

The three victims had not been officially named, but detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing South East are now in a position to do so.

Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes said: “Formal identification has not yet been carried out, but we have good reason to believe that the names of the deceased are James Furlong, David Wails and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett.”

Post-mortem examinations and the formal identification procedures in relation to all three men are due to take place this week.