Reading stabbing attack minute’s silence: What time is the tribute to terror victims today?
STUDENTS at Holt School in Wokingham will light candles and lay flowers in memory of teacher James Furlong, named as one of three victims in the Reading terror attack.
As a mark of respect, Reading Council’s flag will be flying at half-mast all week.
What time is the Reading attack minute's silence today?
Mayor of Reading, David Stevens, said on Facebook that a minute’s silence will be held at 10am today, June 22.
Stevens said he hoped people would join him and council leader, Cllr Jason Brock, "in paying our respects to the victims and their families".
The mayor added: "Following the shocking and horrific attack that took place in the Forbury Gardens, my thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims and their families.
"I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to those affected and we at Reading Council offer our continued support to our heroic emergency services.
"Flags on the Civic Offices will be flown at half-mast from today and for the rest of the week out of respect to those who were injured and lost their lives in this senseless attack."
How can I take part?
Reading's mayor, David Stevens, said that because of the coronavirus lockdown, the minute's silence cannot be held in a public arena.
He added: "To maintain social distancing guidelines we will mark this privately behind closed doors.
"However, you will be able to join us digitally via - www.facebook.com/ReadingCouncil.
What happened on June 20 and who were the victims?
A terror attack in a quiet Reading park left three people dead and several seriously injured on the night of June 20.
Witnesses said a man wielding a 5-inch knife went on a rampage in Forbury Gardens, stabbing people at random who had gathered in the park on a sunny summer evening.
Counter Terrorism Policing have confirmed they are treating the multiple stabbings as an act of terrorism.
Chief Constable John Campbell of Thames Valley Police said officers were called to reports of stabbings just before 7pm and arrived to find a “horrific” scene.
He said the suspected knifeman was apprehended within five minutes.
The suspect is believed to have dropped his knife before fleeing from the park. A policeman then rugby-tackled him to the ground after a chase.
Personal trainer Lawrence Wort said the park was full of groups sitting on the grass on the evening of Saturday, June 20.
Then, “one lone person walked through, suddenly shouted some unintelligible words and went around a large group of around ten, trying to stab them".
Mr Wort added: “He stabbed three of them severely in the neck and under the arms, and then turned and started running towards me, and we turned and started running.”
One of the three killed was identified as James Furlong, 36, a teacher in the nearby English town of Wokingham.
Former pupil Molly Collins, who left the school in 2017, told Radio 4: "He was such a loved teacher... to hear that it was him is just so, so sad.
"He was so passionate and enthusiastic about history and about learning, and anything that was boring, anything you didn't find interesting, he would make it interesting.
"He always went the extra mile for everyone."
James Furlong's parents, Gary and Janet, paid tribute to him as "a wonderful man. He was beautiful, intelligent, honest and fun.
"He was the best son, brother, uncle and partner you could wish for. We are thankful for the memories he gave us all.
"We will never forget him and he will live in our hearts forever."
A second casualty was named as American Joe Ritchie-Bennett, 39.
His father, Robert Ritchie, blasted his "senseless" killing after the carnage unfolded on on June 22.
It is understood he was friends with James Furlong, the first victim to be named from the terror attack that unfolded on Saturday.
One victim who was knifed in the hand and face said: “I was with a group of friends — five of us just catching up, socially distanced.
“Out of the blue this person suddenly showed up. He had a knife and he went forward trying to stab my face.
"I turned around and could see my friend had been stabbed in the back.”
He went on: “He shouted something and started stabbing. There was blood everywhere. I think these three other people just died on the spot.
“He had come from nowhere... he seemed determined. He was quick to do it and to run away.”
The victim, who said the stabbings were “absolutely indiscriminate” was discharged overnight from the Royal Berkshire Hospital, where another victim was believed to be critical and a third was in a stable condition on Sunday.
Chief Constable John Campbell of Thames Valley Police said he was “deeply saddened” by the “truly tragic incident”.
He added: “Police cordons continue to be in place and are likely to be for some time as Counter Terrorism Policing South East work further to investigate this incident and establish exactly what happened.
“I would urge the public to avoid the area at this time and thank the community for their patience. We will let you know as soon as the area is back open.
“I would also ask that the public avoid speculation.
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“We would like to hear from anyone who has video footage.
“Out of respect for those deceased and injured, along with their loved ones, please do not circulate this footage on social media – this will be incredibly distressing.
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“If you have any information about this incident, please contact us on 101.”