Reading attack: Third victim of park stabbings named as scientist David Wails

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The third victim of the suspected terror attack in Reading has been named in reports as scientist David Wails.

Michael Main, a friend of Mr Wails and the other two victims, told the BBC he knew him as a regular at The Blagrave Arms pub.

He 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.”

The attack in Forbury Gardens on Saturday left three people dead and another three injured .

Joe Ritchie-Bennett, 39, was earlier named among the victims and had lived in Britain for 15 years after moving from Philadelphia in the US.

Joe Ritchie-Bennett

Mr Ritchie-Bennett's father, Robert Ritchie, confirmed his son’s death, saying: “The family is heartbroken they have lost their brilliant and loving son. This was senseless.”

Teacher James Furlong, 36, was also killed.

Mr Furlong's parents paid tribute to a 'wonderful son'
Family handout

A two-minute silence, attended by more than 100 students, was held at the Holt School in Wokingham on Monday morning in memory of Mr Furlong, who pupils said was “always smiling”.

Ella Banbury, 17, said: “He was just a really kind teacher. You would always see him smile – there wouldn’t be a time where you wouldn’t see him smiling.”

The three people taken to hospital after being injured have all now been discharged, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) said.

A minute's silence was held at the school
PA

It comes as a heart-shaped floral tribute and candles have been placed outside the Blagrave Arms pub in Reading town centre.

A note on the door 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.”

Earlier in the Commons, Home Secretary Priti Patel praised the police officers who "ran towards danger without a second thought" during the suspected terror attack.

Priti Patel in the Commons
PA

After visiting Reading on Monday, Ms Patel said: "I had the privilege of meeting the officers who first responded to the incident and who were responsible for apprehending the suspect as well as trying to prevent the further loss of life," she told MPs.

"These officers, a few of whom were student officers, ran towards danger to help those in need without a second thought.

"A young, unarmed police officer took down the suspect without hesitation while another performed emergency first aid to those who were injured.

"These officers are heroes. They showed courage, bravery and selflessness way beyond their years. They are the very best of us."

Priti Patel in Reading
REUTERS

She added: “Police have confirmed that the threat is contained but that sadly three innocent members of the public were killed, murdered by a sudden and savage knife attacker as they enjoyed a summer evening with friends.

“Another three victims were injured and received hospital treatment.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of everyone who was hurt or killed as a result of this sickening attack."

A large police cordon remained in place around Forbury Gardens on Monday afternoon.

Forensics officers, wearing white suits and blue gloves, used canes to search bushes near to the park’s entrance.

Three blue forensic tents, erected next to the walls of the park, remained in place.

A section of Forbury Road, which runs adjacent to the green space, is still taped off to cars and pedestrians.

A 25-year-old man, named as Khairi Saadallah, was arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody.

Detectives were on Monday granted a warrant of further detention until June 27.

Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes, head of CTPSE, said: “This investigation is continuing at pace. We have a large team of officers and staff working to establish exactly what happened in the lead up to, during and after this incident.

“Our thoughts very much remain with the family and friends of those who have lost loved ones and those who have been injured and affected as a result of this tragic incident.

“I would ask both the media and the public again not to speculate on any aspect of this case at this time as this could have an impact on the ongoing investigation and any future court appearances.”

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