Chief Constable reassures people in Milton Keynes after suspected terrorist attack

The three friends were fatally stabbed in a park and three more people were seriously injured.

A 25-year-old Reading man, Khairi Saadallah, has been arrested on suspicion of murder after being detained at the scene.

The next morning, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dean Haydon, senior national co-ordinator for counter-terrorism, determined the incident should be treated as a terrorist attack, but with investigators keeping an open mind as to motivation.

Chief Constable Campbell said: "Following the tragic incident in Reading on Saturday night in which three innocent members of the public sadly lost their lives, I wanted to message our wider Thames Valley community to provide some reassurance at this difficult time."

He added: “At this time Thames Valley Police and Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE), who are leading the investigation into the attack in Reading, do not believe there to be a wider risk to the public. I would like to reiterate that there is nothing to suggest that anyone else is involved in this offence and we are confident this is an isolated incident. In the past when there has been a terrorist attack, at home or abroad, we have seen the national terror threat level change increase. That has not happened in this case, which is confirmation of the security services assessment following this incident.

“Nevertheless, I understand that this incident will have caused great concern and I would like to reassure you that my officers and staff continue to be present in your area, responding to emergencies and safeguarding the vulnerable. You may see more officers out and about during this time; do not be alarmed by this, they are there for your reassurance. Please do approach them if you have any questions or concerns.

“Communities defeat terrorism; in times of adversity we must come together as one community because co-operation between each of us is our most powerful defence, and I am confident that the communities of Thames Valley will continue to do this."

The Chief Constable said people should nevertheless remain vigilant.

“You can play your part to protect yourself and your community. My advice, especially as the coronavirus restrictions ease and public spaces become busier, is to remain vigilant at all times and report any concerns, in confidence, to the police.

“You can do that online, in confidence, via our Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) website at gov.uk/ACT Please do not worry you may be wasting our time. We would much rather hear from you than miss an opportunity to step in before it’s too late.

“Support information and services are also available on the Government’s website if you have been affected by this incident and would like to seek advice and assistance."

He added: “We have been touched by the response we have had from the public over the last few days and appreciate your understanding and ongoing support. Thank you to you all...Our thoughts remain with the victims’ family and friends and our Reading communities at this difficult time.