THEGAYUK

Tag: Reading News

Get the latest LGBT+ Reading news from THEGAYUK. Breaking news, features and interviews from the gay community in Reading, England, UK

  • Funeral fundraiser for victims of Terror attack reaches over £15,000

    Funeral fundraiser for victims of Terror attack reaches over £15,000

    The official fundraiser, created by Reading Pride to help the families of James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails who all sadly died after an attack in Reading has reached over £15,000.

    A fundraiser by Reading Pride on behalf of the victims of the incident in Forbury Park where three men sadly lost their lives nearly a month ago, has raised in excess of £15,000 to help with funeral costs and a permanent tribute. Over six hundred people have donated to the fundraiser, which at the time of publishing stood at £15,335.

    Permanent Tribute

    It is also hoped that the funds raised will go towards a permanent tribute to the three men in Forbury Gardens in Reading town centre, where the three were killed.

    The park has now reopened for reflection and tributes.

    The fundraiser page has a statement which reads,

    “With the tragic event within our community in Reading on Saturday 20th June 2020, we’re hoping to raise some money and funds to help support the families for funeral costs.

    “As well as a permanent tribute within Forbury Gardens, so everyone has a physical memento to remember the tragic loss of lives that have occurred.”

    Three died, multiple people were injured

    James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails were all enjoying an evening in Forbury Gardens when, according to witnesses at the park, their attacker approached them and others, with what has been described as a 5-inch knife.

    Terror suspect, Khairi Saadallah is accused of murdering James Furlong, 36, David Wails, 49, and Joe Ritchie-Bennett, 39, on the evening of 20th June in Forbury Gardens. Saadallah is also charged with the attempted murder of three other people. His trial is set for late November.

    To donate, click here

  • Forbury Gardens reopens for “quiet reflection” after the killing of three LGBT+ men

    Forbury Gardens in Reading, where three men were killed when they were stabbed has reopened for “quiet reflection” and for people to pay their respects, the local council has revealed.

    Last month, three friends, sitting together in the heart of Reading, became the victims of a stabbing attack. They died at the scene. A fourth man who was sitting with them was also stabbed but did not die and is recovering from his injuries.

    Terror suspect, Khairi Saadallah is accused of murdering James Furlong, 36, David Wails, 49, and Joe Ritchie-Bennett, 39, on the evening of 20th June in Forbury Gardens. Saadallah is also charged with the attempted murder of three other people.

    Saadallah is due to go on trial in late November.

    The gardens have been closed to the public since the incident. Today, Reading Council announced that the park had reopened to the public. They are encouraging people to visit “in their own time for a period of quiet reflection”.

    Jason Brock, leader of Reading Borough Council, said, “It is now nearly three weeks since the horrific events at Forbury Gardens, which nobody in Reading will ever forget.

    “As always, our thoughts remain firmly with the families of James, Joe and David. Now that the Gardens have reopened, we fully appreciate that people will want to visit in their own time and for a period of quiet reflection.

    “Everybody is, of course, more than welcome to do that and see flowers that have been laid to pay tribute to the victims, or to lay a tribute themselves.”

  • Reading Terror suspect attacked “without warning or provocation” court hears

    Reading Terror suspect attacked “without warning or provocation” court hears

    Suspect, Khairi Saadallah appeared in court via a video link at Westminster Magistrates Court yesterday. He stands accused of three murders and three attempted murders.

    Saadallah who is accused of murdering three men in Reading during Pride month in the UK, did not enter a plea during his hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court at which he appeared via a video link.

    He wore, according to The Independent a face mask and “prison-issue tracksuit”

    Embed from Getty Images

    Saadallah who sought asylum in the UK in 2012, was “heard to shout words to the effect of ‘Allahu akbar (God is great)’ Prosecutor Jan Newbold told the court.

    She also stated that Saadallah began his savage attack “without warning or provocation” according to Sky News

    The accused spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and that he lived in Reading.

    He was remanded in custody by chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot until a hearing at the Old Bailey on Wednesday 1st July 2020.

    Saadallah is accused of killing James Furlong, 36, David Wails, 49, and Joe Ritchie-Bennett, 39, on 20 June.

    A post mortem confirmed that each of the men died from a single stab wound.

    Who were the victims?

    Mr Furlong, 36 was a teacher at The Holt School in Wokingham. He taught history and politics.

    Mr Ritchie-Bennett, 39 worked for a pharmaceutical company. He was originally from Philadelphia in the US. He had lived in the UK for 15 years.

    Mr Wails was a senior scientist at a global chemicals company.

    All three were described as “true gentlemen” by the CEO of Reading Pride, Martin Cooper.

    Three attempted murder charges.

    Saadallah is also standing trial for the attempted murder of three other men who were sitting nearby David, Joe and James. Stephen Young was sitting with the three men who died, while Patrick Edwards ad Nishit Nisudan were sitting nearby.

    Young, Edwards and Nisudan were all treated for stab wounds, taken to hospital and later released.

  • Reading Terror suspect due in court today

    Reading Terror suspect due in court today

    A 25-year-old man is in court today, charged with the murder of three men in Reading, in a suspected terror attack.

    Khairi Saadallah is accused of killing three men, James Furlong, 36, David Wails, 49, and Joe Ritchie-Bennett, 39, on 20 June in a suspected terror attack in Forbury Gardens in the heart of Reading. He will appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

    He is charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.

    A post mortem confirmed that each of the men died from a single stab wound.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Saadallah came to live in the UK from Libya in 2012 claiming asylum. He was given leave to remain in 2018.

  • Man charged with the murder of three gay men in Reading Terror incident

    Man charged with the murder of three gay men in Reading Terror incident

    A man has charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder, police say.

    The Crown Prosecution Service has given police the go-ahead to charge Khairi Saadallah, 25 of Basingstoke for the murders of three men who were killed last Saturday night in Reading.

    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 in what the police described as a “terrorism incident”.

    Saadallah is accused of killing James Furlong, 36, David Wails, 49, and Joe Ritchie-Bennett, 39, on 20 June.

    A post mortem confirmed that each of the men died from a single stab wound.

    Mr Furlong, 36 was a teacher at The Holt School in Wokingham. He taught history and politics.

    Mr Ritchie-Bennett, 39 worked for a pharmaceutical company. He was originally from Philadelphia in the US. He had lived in the UK for 15 years.

    Mr Wails was a senior scientist at a global chemicals company.

    All three were described as “true gentlemen” by the CEO of Reading Pride, Martin Cooper.

    Saadallah came to live in the UK from Libya in 2012 claiming asylum. He was given leave to remain in 2018.

    Saadallah is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday, June 29.

    Fundraiser for victims hits £13,200

    Over 600 people have already donated to a fund to help families cover the costs of funerals.

    An official fundraiser has been created by Reading Pride to help the families of Joe, James and David.

    t is also hoped that the funds raised will go towards a permanent tribute to the three men in Forbury Gardens in Reading town centre, where the three were killed.

    The fundraiser page has a statement which reads,

    “With the tragic event within our community in Reading on Saturday 20th June 2020, we’re hoping to raise some money and funds to help support the families for funeral costs.

    “As well as a permanent tribute within Forbury Gardens, so everyone has a physical memento to remember the tragic loss of lives that have occurred.”

    Counter Terrorism Policing South East continues to lead this investigation.

  • Reading Pride creates funeral fundraiser for victims of Terror attack

    Reading Pride creates funeral fundraiser for victims of Terror attack

    An official fundraiser has been created by Reading Pride to help the families of James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails who all sadly died after an attack in Reading over the weekend.

    Reading Pride has already raised over £8,500 for the families of the three men who were killed in a terror incident. Nearly four hundred people have donated to the fundraiser, which has been created to help the families with the costs of the funerals.

    Permanent Tribute

    It is also hoped that the funds raised will go towards a permanent tribute to the three men in Forbury Gardens in Reading town centre, where the three were killed.

    The fundraiser page has a statement which reads,

    “With the tragic event within our community in Reading on Saturday 20th June 2020, we’re hoping to raise some money and funds to help support the families for funeral costs.

    “As well as a permanent tribute within Forbury Gardens, so everyone has a physical memento to remember the tragic loss of lives that have occurred.”

    Three died, multiple people were injured

    James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails were all enjoying an evening in Forbury Gardens when, according to witnesses at the park, their attacker approached them and others, with what has been described as a 5-inch knife.

    Chief Constable of the Thames Valley Police 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.

    “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.”

    To donate, click here

  • James Furlong, who died alongside friends in the Reading Terror attack: “beautiful, intelligent, honest and fun”

    James Furlong, who died alongside friends in the Reading Terror attack: “beautiful, intelligent, honest and fun”

    The family of a teacher who was killed in Saturday evening’s knife attack in Reading have paid tribute to him saying that he was “beautiful, intelligent, honest and fun”.

    The parents of James Furlong, Gary and Janet, said, “James was a wonderful man. He was beautiful, intelligent, honest and fun.

    “He was the best son, brother, uncle and partner you could wish for. We are thankful for the memories he gave us all.

    “We will never forget him and he will live in our hearts forever.”

    Mr Furlong was killed alongside David Wails and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, on Saturday evening in Forbury Gardens in Reading. According to witnesses at the park, their attacker approached them and others, with what has been described as a 5-inch knife.

    Man arrested

    A twenty-five year old man has been arrested in connection to the incident. He remains in custody.

    The victims are due to have post-mortem examinations to take place this week to identify the cause of their deaths.

    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.”

  • Reading Terror attack victim Joseph Ritchie-Bennett: “the most kind, caring loving person”

    Reading Terror attack victim Joseph Ritchie-Bennett: “the most kind, caring loving person”

    Family members of Joseph Ritchie-Bennet have paid tribute to the 39-year-old, saying that he was “the most loving person you could meet”.

    Joseph’s father, Gary Ritchie, said, “I was absolutely blessed and proud to be Joe’s father for 39 years and we are heartbroken by what has happened”

    Mr Ritchie-Bennett’s brother and sister in law, Stephen and Katy Bennett added, “Joe was the most kind, caring and loving person that you could meet.  We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken.  Joe will always be with us in our hearts.”

    The attack, which happened on Saturday evening in Reading’s, Forbury Gardens has now been labelled as a terror attack, by Thames Valley Police.

    A twenty-five-year-old man has been arrested in connection to the incident. He remains in custody.

    The victims are due to have post-mortem examinations to take place this week to identify the cause of their deaths.

    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.”

  • Parents of David Wails, killed in Reading Terror incident: “We are broken-hearted at losing him”

    Parents of David Wails, killed in Reading Terror incident: “We are broken-hearted at losing him”

    The parents of a man who was killed in the Reading Terror attack on Saturday evening have paid tribute to him, calling him someone who “who never hurt anyone in his life”.

    Mr Wails was killed alongside James Furlong and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, on Saturday evening in Forbury Gardens in Reading. According to witnesses at the park, their attacker approached them and others, with what has been described as a 5-inch knife.

    Speaking about the lost of their son, Mr Wails’ parents said,

    “David was a kind and much-loved son, brother and uncle who never hurt anyone in his life.

    “We are broken-hearted at losing him and in such a terrible way. We will treasure our wonderful memories of him and he will always be with us in our hearts”

    The attack, which happened on Saturday evening in Reading’s, Forbury Gardens has now been labelled as a terror attack, by Thames Valley Police.

    A twenty-five year old man has been arrested in connection to the incident. He remains in custody.

    The victims are due to have post-mortem examinations to take place this week to identify the cause of their deaths.

    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.”

  • Three victims of Reading Terror attack were all friends of Reading Pride

    Three victims of Reading Terror attack were all friends of Reading Pride

    Police have now named all three victims killed in a horrific terror attack in the heart of Reading over the weekend.

    James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails were all enjoying an evening in Forbury Gardens when, according to witnesses at the park, their attacker approached them and others, with what has been described as a 5-inch knife.

    The attack, which happened on Saturday evening in Reading’s, Forbury Gardens has now been labelled as a terror attack, by Thames Valley Police.

    The CEO of Reading Pride wrote a heartbreaking statement in which he called all three, James, Joe and David “True Gentlemen” and said that the Reading’s LGBT+ community would be in mourning.

    Mr Cooper added that the three victims were a support network for others and that they would be “sorely missed by many”.

    Mr Furlong, 36 was a teacher at The Holt School in Wokingham. He taught history and politics.

    Mr Furlong’s parents, Gary and Janet released a statement following his death saying,

    “James was a wonderful man. He was beautiful, intelligent, honest and fun.

    “He was the best son, brother, uncle and partner you could wish for. We are thankful for the memories he gave us all. We will never forget him and he will live in our hearts forever.”

    Mr Ritchie-Bennett, 39 worked for a pharmaceutical company. He was originally from Philadelphia in the US. He had lived in the UK for 15 years.

    Mr Wails was a senior scientist at a global chemicals company.

    Appeal for information

    Detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) continue to appeal for anyone with information about the terrorist incident in Reading, to come forward.

    A number of people sustained stab injuries during the incident which happened in Forbury Gardens just before 7pm on Saturday (20/6). And sadly, three people died as a result of their injuries.

    A further three people who were taken to hospital with injuries following this incident, have now been discharged from hospital.

    Police say that a 25-year-old man from Reading, was arrested in connection with this incident, by three police officers near to the scene. Detectives were today granted a warrant of further detention until Saturday 27 June, and the man remains in police custody.

  • Police are looking for witnesses after homophobic abuse at football match

    Police are looking for witnesses after homophobic abuse at football match

    pixel2013 / Pixabay

    Officers are appealing for witnesses and footage after a match official at last Saturday’s Millwall v Reading match was subjected to homophobic abuse.

    The incident happened in the first half of the match at approximately 15.30hrs in the East Stand and is believed to have involved home fans.

    Anyone who witnessed the incident or can provide detectives with video footage is asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the Public Order Crime Team on 020 8246 9386.

    DC Phil Dickinson from the Met’s Public Order Crime Team, said,

    “We take any allegation of abuse very seriously and are investigating this matter. If anyone was at last Saturday’s game and witnessed the incident, or has video footage of it, I would urge them to come forward to assist us in our investigation.”