Tributes have flooded in for a 'kind and gentle' teacher who was reportedly one of three killed in last night's stabbing rampage in Reading.

One of the victims who was murdered in Forbury Gardens has been named locally as James Furlong, who was a teacher at The Holt School in Wokingham.

READ MORE: 'He was a brilliant teacher': pupils tributes to teacher killed in Reading stabbing

In a letter sent to parents, the school said: "We are so very sad to have to inform you that last night, James Furlong, our wonderfully talented and inspirational Head of History and Government and Politics was tragically murdered in the terrorist incident in Forbury Gardens in Reading.

Anne Kennedy and Katie Pearce, co-headteachers at the Holt School, said: “We are so very sad to report that on Saturday 20th June, James Furlong, our wonderfully talented and inspirational Head of History and Government and Politics was tragically killed in the terrorist incident at Forbury Gardens in Reading.

READ THIS: Tributes for Reading terror victim James Furlong, Holt School teacher

“James was a very kind and gentle man; he had a real sense of duty and cared for each and every one of our students.  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.  

“As a Holt community, we all now need to absorb this sad news.  Counsellors will be available for students and staff.

“Words cannot describe our shock and sadness at this time. Our thoughts are with his mum, dad, brother and family, and his friends and colleagues.

“He was a cherished colleague and he will be sadly missed.”

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"James was a very kind and gentle man; he had a real sense of duty and cared for each and every one of our students. 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.

"Father Richard from St Paul's Church has kindly offered to open up the church from 9am tomorrow, should your son/daughter wish to light a candle, say a prayer, or talk. We are also planning to create a memorial book for James' family to which your son/daughter might like to contribute.

"Words cannot describe our shock and sadness at this time. Our thoughts are with his mum, dad, brother and family and his friends and colleagues."

Classes have been cancelled tomorrow for all year groups at the school and counsellors will be on hand if students or teachers need to talk to them.

The school added: "As a Holt community, we all now need to absorb this sad news. Lessons for tomorrow will be cancelled for all year groups and counsellors will be on site for any students and staff who wish to come in to school and talk. The school will be open from 8.30 until 15.15. We will be in touch tomorrow about the plans for the rest of the week."

Heartfelt tributes have also poured on social media and Twitter.

My hugest condolences to everyone at The Holt School. I know staff and students will really struggle to make sense of this.
Hugest condolences as well to James Furlong's family and friends. What a sad event in an already difficult time 🙏🏻🙏🏻

— Abrahams Burrows (@elvisrunner) June 21, 2020

Devastated to discover that James Furlong, one of the victims of the Reading stabbings, was a teacher at the Holt.
His loss is a devastating blow to his family, colleagues, students, the wider Holt family and our whole community.
Our thoughts are with them all.

— Wokingham Labour (@WokinghamLabour) June 21, 2020