Reading attack: man charged with three counts of murder

Khairi Saadallah, 25, a Libyan refugee, will appear in court on June 29

Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire James Puxley speaks during a vigil in memory of David Wails, Joseph Ritchie-Bennett and James Furlong, the victims of a stabbing attack, in Reading, Britain, June 27, 2020. REUTERS

Business Secretary Alok Sharma, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Mayor of Reading, Cllr David Stevens (right) speak together following a vigil for the victims of the Reading terror attack, at Market Place on June 27, 2020 in Reading, United Kingdom. Getty Images

The suspect, Khairi Saadallah, has been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder. Getty Images

Bishop of Reading, the Right Reverend Olivia Graham, gives a reading during a vigil for the victims of the Reading terror attack, at Market Place on June 27, 2020 in Reading, United Kingdom. Getty Images

Family members of the three victims comfort each other after lighting candles during a vigil for the victims of the Reading terror attack, at Market Place on June 27, 2020 in Reading, United Kingdom. Getty Images

Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, John Campbell, speaks during a vigil for the victims of the Reading terror attack, at Market Place on June 27, 2020 in Reading, United Kingdom. Getty Images

UK counterterrorism police on Saturday charged a man with three counts of murder and three of attempted murder after a knife attack last week in south-east England.

Khairi Saadallah, 25, of Reading, a Libyan refugee, will appear in Westminster Magistrates Court on June 29, police said.

"The charges come following an investigation into an incident at Forbury Gardens in Reading on the evening of June 20, where a number of people were stabbed," Thames Valley Police said.

"Three people were killed and died at the scene and a further three people were taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries. They have since been released from hospital."

The three victims killed in the terrorist attack – history teacher James Furlong, 36, US expatriate Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, 39, and scientist David Wails, 49 – were friends. A post-mortem found that they all died of a stab wound.

They were seemingly attacked at random in Forbury Park, Reading, a week ago.

The announcement of charges came as a vigil remembering the victims was streamed online on the local council's Facebook page.

Friends and relatives gathered in the town centre to remember the victims.

Thames Valley Police's Chief Constable John Campbell said at the vigil: "We will never forget David, James and Joseph."

Furlong's grieving family praised police in a tribute to officers on Saturday.

"We would like to start by thanking the police for their ongoing help, including their remarkable bravery. They have been a pillar of support," they said.

"Equally, we would like to express our gratitude to the emergency services, members of the public and the wider Reading community, who did all they could to help and save the lives of those who had been injured that night.

"To James's colleagues and pupils at the Holt School: he spoke often of how much he loved where he worked and his passion for developing the students. He cared so much and was very proud of each and every one of you.

"James was passionate about creating a more loving and caring society. His time with us was cut far too short but the impact he made will live on, long long into the future. His family, his friends and those who have met him – he made us all a better person.

"We are so proud of him. James was, and always will be, so very much loved by us all."