Vigil to be held for victims of the Reading terror attack

A vigil will be held this evening in memory of the three friends killed in the Reading terror attack one week ago.

David Wails, Joseph Ritchie-Bennett and James Furlong died after the incident in Forbury Gardens shortly before 7pm on June 20.

The vigil, organised by Reading Borough Council, will be streamed online on the council's Facebook page and will include the lighting of a remembrance candle and messages from the community read by the Mayor of Reading.

People are asked to light a candle on their doorsteps or have a light in their windows as part of the vigil.

The council is holding the event online due to social distancing requirements and the restrictions on gatherings in public.

Reading Borough Council reassured those affected by the attack that they will hold in-person remembrance events in the future when social distancing allows.

They have also opened an online book of condolence for people to pay tributes to the three men.

Council leader Jason Brock said: "There is an overwhelming sense of grief within the Reading community about last Saturday's tragic events.

"The council and public are united in their desire to mourn the victims and appropriately remember them.

"We are encouraging people to pay their respects with us online on Saturday evening, and also to mourn and contribute via the book of condolence and supporting the #ReadingTogether fund."

Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police John Campbell said: "In times of such tragedy, we often see the best of our communities and that has certainly been the case in Reading.

"I know it will take time for everyone to heal but we stand alongside you and will do all that we can to support you, as your police."

Ahead of Saturday evening's vigil, the family of James Furlong issued a further tribute.

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

"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.

"Lastly, we are very grateful for the vast number of tributes and messages of support we have received. It has given us so much strength.

"We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of Joe and David. We share your pain and your heartbreak.

"To James' 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.

"Thank you. From the family of James Furlong."

Thew family of Joseph Richie-Bennett also issued a new tribute one week on, saying “We LOVED Joe so much and we are in such deep sorrow. We need all the prayers for Joe and the Ritchie and Bennett families.”