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Ceremony marks fourth anniversary of park murders

Family handouts David Wails, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and James Furlong Family handouts
(L-R) David Wails, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and James Furlong died at the scene of the attack in Forbury Gardens

A memorial service has been held to mark four years since three men were murdered in a Reading park.

Khairi Saadallah stabbed James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails in Forbury Gardens on 20 June 2020.

He was convicted under anti-terror laws and given a whole-life term in 2021.

A private service at St Laurence's Church was held from 18:00 BST, followed by a short civic service led by Reading mayor Glenn Dennis from 19:00.

The memorial with flowers laid to mark the fourth year of the attack
The memorial was unveiled a year ago on the third anniversary of the attack

That took place at the Forbury Gardens bandstand and family and friends laid flowers next to a memorial unveiled a year ago.

Gary Furlong, James Furlong's father, said all three victims were "beloved sons, brothers and uncles".

He praised the "bravery, dedication and humanity" shown by staff from emergency services who attended the park four years ago.

And he told attendees to "be safe, be careful and don't do anything I wouldn't do", something his teacher son told his pupils.

Mr Furlong and his wife Jan have pledged to return to the park on every 20 June for the rest of their lives.

Gary Furlong has got grey, short hair, is white, and is wearing a suit jacket and a shirt
Gary Furlong spoke at the civil ceremony in Forbury Gardens

He added: "People say 'the Reading stabbings', but this was a terrorist attack and the most important thing to remember is the three boys and the three other people who were injured.

"But also how it's brought a community together. The other thing to remember are the changes [the attack] made to help prevent future deaths."

Rev Sonya Wratten, the vicar of Reading Minster, read a prayer during the ceremony and said she attended to support the victims' families and wider community.

She said the ceremony helped "standing together in solidarity and seeking peace and friendship".

Rev Sonya Wratten is white, has a black shirt and a white dog collar and brown/blonde short hair
Rev Sonya Wratten, the vicar of Reading Minster, took part in Thursday's civil ceremony

The attacks on the afternoon of 20 June happened when the park was busy due to the first lockdown restrictions being relaxed in England.

Following an inquest, Judge Coroner Sir Adrian Fulford concluded the men's deaths were avoidable, after he found major problems with intelligence sharing between authorities.

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