By Reading suspect known to MI5
It has been announced that Khairi Saadallah, the 25-year-old suspect being held over Reading’s alleged terror attack was known to MI5 and other authorities.
Saturday’s attack left three people dead in Reading.
Three others required treatment in hospital.
The Libyan refugee had been under investigation last year as a person who might travel abroad “for extremist reasons” but no genuine threat or immediate risk was identified.
Intelligence agencies believe Saadallah had mental health problems.
The family of the first victim to be named, James Furlong, paid tribute to a “beautiful, intelligent, honest and fun” man.
It is believed Saadallah came to the UK after Libya erupted into civil war in 2014 as the country tried to rebuild after the western-backed ousting of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.
Counter Terrorism Policing South East are continuing to investigate the incident, and are treating it as an act of terrorism.
Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes, Head of CTPSE, said:
“The investigation continues to move at a fast pace.
“We know that the suspect entered into Forbury Gardens in the centre of Reading and attacked members of the public with a knife leaving three people dead and three people needing hospital treatment.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families who will be mourning loved ones after this horrific act, and to all those who have been affected by it.
“We continue to work with the coroner to formally identify those who have died and to inform and support their relatives.”
A minute’s silence will be held at 10:00BST for the three victims of the attack in Reading.
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