By Eric King
Three people are feared dead following a suspected terrorist attack in Reading town centre involving multiple stabbings.
The casualties were taken to the emergency unit of the Royal Berkshire Hospital for treatment after an incident in Forbury Garden.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
A man believed to be of Libyan decent has been arrested .Police took several casualties to the Royal Berkshire hospital. A hospital spokeswoman confirmed that two of them were in a critical condition in the emergency department.
Disturbing videos on social media showed scenes of victims receiving resuscitation treatment.
A statement said officers and other emergency services attended at around 7pm, adding: “A number of people sustained injuries and were taken to hospital.
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
“A police cordon is in place in Forbury Gardens as officers investigate. We are asking the public to avoid the area at this time.”
Two air ambulances and several police vehicles responded to the attack, with images on social media showing a significant police presence.
Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted that she was “deeply concerned” by reports of the incident.
“My thoughts are with everyone involved, including police and emergency responders at the scene,” she added.
It is understood Ms Patel is being kept updated on the situation.
One eyewitness, who said he was around 10 metres from the scene, said the attack looked “completely random”.
Lawrence Wort, 20, a personal trainer from Chippenham, told PA: “So the park was pretty full, a lot of people sat around drinking with friends when one lone person walked through, suddenly shouted some unintelligible words and went around a large group of around 10, trying to stab them.
“He stabbed three of them, severely in the neck, and under the arms, and then turned and started running towards me, and we turned and started running.
“When he realised that he couldn’t catch us, he tried to stab another group sat down, he got one person in the back of the neck and then when he realised everyone was starting to run, he ran out the park.”
The leader of Reading Council Jason Brock tweeted: “Concerning reports from Reading town centre – please stay clear of the area as Police are dealing with a serious incident.”
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar