Friday, 19 Apr 2024

Reading terror attack: Third victim named as David Wails

The third victim of the Reading terror attack has been named as David Wails.

He was stabbed to death with his two friends James Furlong and Joe-Ritchie-Bennett in the town centre on Saturday evening.

The three men were in Forbury Gardens at the time of the attack.

The suspect – believed to be 25-year-old Khairi Saadallah – is in custody after being detained on suspicion of murder and re-arrested under the Terrorism Act.

Secondary school teacher Mr Furlong, 36, was the first victim to be named.

He taught history, government and politics at The Holt School in Wokingham, eight miles from where he was stabbed.

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

Mr Ritchie-Bennett, 39, was originally from Philadelphia in the US but had been living in the UK for 15 years.

He worked for a pharmaceutical company in Reading, Berkshire.

His brother, Robert Ritchie, a captain in the Philadelphia police force, told US media: “We used to play together every day. We rode bikes together every day. Our family is heartbroken and beside ourselves. He did not deserve to go out like this.”

Mr Ritchie-Bennett’s father, also called Robert, said: “I absolutely love my son with all of my heart and all of my soul.”

Martin Cooper, the CEO of Reading Pride which supports the LGBT community in the town, said on Monday: “It is with deep sadness that I write this. Friends of Reading Pride have been taken too soon due to the actions of an individual.

“The individuals taken were personal friends of mine. They were supporters of Reading as a community and of Reading Pride.

“James, Joe, and David were true gentlemen.

“Each with their own unique personality. They were regulars of the Blagrave, a community pub, whose regulars will be in mourning.”

A heart-shaped floral tribute was seen outside the pub on Monday afternoon along with candles and a note which read: “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.”

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

Mr Wails has been named after detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) confirmed three people taken to hospital with injuries after the attack have now been discharged.

Officers are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about the terrorist attack to come forward.

Police are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have been driving in the area before or at the time, and who may have dashcam footage which could be of use to the investigation.

A number of items have been recovered from the scene and are currently being investigated by specialist teams.

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.”

Saadallah was tackled to the ground by an unarmed police officer close to the scene at Forbury Gardens.

Detectives have been granted a warrant of further detention until Saturday.

Police have said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack.

A number of police cordons remain in place while the investigation continues.

::Anyone with any information is asked to contact Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting Operation Vaselike.

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