Minute's silence to remember the victims of Reading terror attack

Tributes have been paid to victims of the Reading terror attack as two of those who died have been named.

Three people were killed in the incident which happened in Forbury Gardens in the town centre at around 7pm on Saturday.

James Furlong, 36, was head of history, government and politics at The Holt School in Wokingham, and died after the attack. Mr Furlong was originally from Liverpool and had taught in the city as part of his career before taking a position at the Berkshire school.

James Furlong was a history teacher at The Holt School in Wokingham
"Be safe, be careful and don't do anything I wouldn't do." Credit: ITV Meridian

His parents, Gary and Janet, released a statement through Thames Valley Police which said: "James was a wonderful man. He was beautiful, intelligent, honest and fun.

A two-minute silence was held at The Holt School and lessons were cancelled for all year groups Credit: PA
Flowers have been laid at the school gates. Credit: PA

A two-minute silence was held at The Holt School and lessons were cancelled for all year groups on Monday to pay tribute to Mr Furlong.

More than 100 students, some holding hands, gathered at the school's gates as a bell rang out to mark the start of the silence.

A flag in the school's courtyard had been lowered to half-mast and flowers have been laid at the school gates.

Co-headteachers Anne Kennedy and Katie Pearce also paid tribute and described him as a "kind and gentle man" who had a "real sense of duty and cared for each and every one of our students".

In a statement, they said: "He truly inspired everyone he taught through his passion for his subject and his dedication. He was determined that our students would develop a critical awareness of global issues and in doing so become active citizens and have a voice."

More than 100 students gathered at the school's gates as a bell rang out to mark the start of the silence. Credit: ITV Meridian

Mr Furlong was himself educated at St Francis Xavier's College in Liverpool. The school paid tribute to him and said in a statement: "James was 36 years old and so it was a long time since he attended our school, but it is still upsetting to hear that an Old Xaverian has died under these circumstances.

"We are all proud of him and it is especially good that James dedicated his life to education and was a remarkable teacher of history and politics."

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has also paid tribute to Mr Furlong. He tweeted: "My thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed and injured in Reading. Very sad to hear that a teacher, James Furlong, was among the victims. Tributes paid by his colleagues reflect how much he will be missed."

The second victim has been named locally as American citizen Joe Ritchie-Bennett.

The second victim has been named locally as American citizen Joe Ritchie-Bennett.

The Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper reported that he was 39 and had moved to England from the US around 15 years ago. The paper said Mr Ritchie-Bennett had married his husband Ian in 2006. He died in 2014 after being diagnosed with colon cancer.

Paying tribute to his brother, Robert Ritchie, a captain in the Philadelphia police force, told the paper: "I love him. I always have. I always will. He was a great guy."

US Ambassador to the UK Woody Johnson confirmed an American citizen was one of those killed in the atrocity.

Mr Johnson tweeted: "I offer my deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the attack on June 20."

According to tributes posted on social media, Mr Ritchie-Bennett was friends with Mr Furlong, and his Facebook page said he was originally from Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, but had been living in Reading.