Family of Forbury Garden terror attack victims speak at memorial

A permanent memorial for the innocent victims of the Forbury Gardens terror attack has been unveiled at a private ceremony today (June 20).

Three years to the day after the horrific events, the town’s community came together to remember those who lost their lives and those injured in 2020, when Khairi Saadallah stabbed six people.

Three of his victims died, James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails.

The memorial, designed in close collaboration with James, Joe and David's families, was unveiled for at a private ceremony for the victim's families, this afternoon.

Speaking at the memorial ceremony was James Furlong's father, Gary Furlong. He said: "It's been a very fitting tribute to the three boys. It's very important that they live in the history of Reading because they are an integral part of Reading's history now."

Gary said the ceremony was "bitter sweet" as it is difficult visiting Forbury Gardens after the tragic incident.

When designing the memorial, the families were hoping to create something with "longevity" so that people can remember them for years to come.

The family has said they will continue to visit the memorial plaque, every year on June 20, until "the day we die".

Speaking at the private ceremony earlier today, Gary thanked the emergency services "whose lives were impacted forever" after the incident on June 20, 2020.

"Your bravery, dedication and humanity in helping our boys will be in our hearts forever and I hope today you can leave these gardens with both peace and great pride. We will never be able to thank you enough and we will be forever in your debt", Gary added.

After sharing memories of James, Gary added that the Furlong family, Wails family and Ritchie-Bennett family "stand with the families of Nottingham" following the recent knife crime incident in Nottingham.

Forbury Gardens will reopen to the public tomorrow morning (June 21), where residents can pay respects at the memorial.