This archive report was first published on 21 June 2020.
On June 20, 2020, a devastating stabbing attack occurred at Forbury Gardens in Reading, England, leaving three people dead and three others seriously injured.
According to Thames Valley Police, the attack took place around 7 p.m. at the park, which had hosted a Black Lives Matter protest earlier in the day.
However, police officials have stated that the stabbings were not connected to the demonstration, contradicting early social media claims.
Chief Constable John Campbell expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, acknowledging the concern and shock caused within the local community.
Counterterrorism units have taken over the investigation, with a 25-year-old man arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder remaining in custody.
Lawrence Wort, a 20-year-old personal trainer who witnessed the attack, described the scene in a Twitter message, stating that the assailant shouted unintelligible words and stabbed multiple people before fleeing the park.
Despite initial claims that the attack occurred during the Black Lives Matter protest, witnesses and organizers have confirmed that the protest had ended at least three hours prior to the stabbings.
British Home Secretary Priti Patel and Prime Minister Boris Johnson have expressed their condolences and support for the victims and their families.
