The Reading community came together to mark the fourth anniversary of the Forbury Gardens attack.

The commemoration is held on June 20 every year.

This year's service drew in the loved ones of the victims, who were joined by notable local officials - including the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Glenn Davis, and MP Matt Rodda.

On June 20, 2020, Khairi Saadallah took a knife and stabbed random members of the public in Forbury Gardens.

Friends James Furlong, Joseph Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails were among those killed - and three others were seriously injured.

The atrocity sent shockwaves through the town.

In 2021, a judge jailed Saadallah for life, without the possibility of parole - the most severe sentence an English court can hand down.

At the recent service, flowers were laid by the victims' loved ones at the Forbury Gardens bandstand.

Addressing the ceremony, the town mayor said: "The families of David, James and Joe: we can only imagine what you have gone through for the past four years.

"We cannot lessen your pain, but we can share it, and we stand with you.

"We also know that the impact is still felt by those injured, or others who witness the events of that summer's evening four years ago."

Gary Furlong - the father of James Furlong - reflected on events since the attack.

The fourth anniversary was held in the shadow of an inquest which concluded this April.

A coroner ruled that there were 'significant failings' by the authorities in the run-up to the stabbings.

Speaking for the victims' families, Mr Furlong said: "It's been a difficult year for us as families, with the conclusion of the inquest on our boys' deaths.

"We've had a common goal, and we wanted to make positive and lasting changes to prevent other families having to endure the last four years' nightmare that we have had to live.

"There was a determination to make sure that the boys' deaths counted, and that they leave a lasting legacy."

As flowers were laid, local vocalist Nichole Grace sung 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow.'

Also present on the day was the High Sheriff of Berkshire, Alexander Barfield.

Mr Barfield said: "It's incredibly moving to be here, and touching and nice to know that so many people are here to come and remember.

"It just shows the spirit of Reading and Berkshire that so many present, and such a diverse group."