Reading East MP Matt Rodda has given a heartfelt message to the families of the Forbury Gardens terror attack in the wake of the anniversary one year on.

He writes to the Reading Chronicle

The Forbury Gardens attack was a dreadful and deeply shocking incident and it is important to mark the anniversary of this terrible event.

I would like to offer my sympathies to the families and friends of the three men who died. Like many other local people, my thoughts are with them at this very difficult time. It is impossible to imagine what the families and friends are going through and our hearts go out them as they remember their loved ones.

READ MORE: Forbury Gardens fundraiser launched for a permanent memorial for victims

I have also been thinking about our whole community at this time, as so many people were touched by this dreadful attack.

The kind response of local people who knew the victims was heartfelt and is deeply moving.

I would also like to thank the police and the emergency services for their brave and determined response to the attack, the professionalism shown was truly remarkable in extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances, particularly when the attacker was arrested.

ALSO READ: How Reading will remember the Forbury Gardens terror attack victims one year on

A huge amount of work has also gone into supporting people who were affected by the attack and I also want to pay tribute to the NHS and other services, including those offering psychological support and pastoral care following the attack.

We live in a diverse and tolerant town and I am proud of our local community and its generous and kind response to this dreadful event.