Ceremony marks 5th Anniversary of Reading terror attack

Five years on from the Reading terror attack in which three people lost their lives, Reading’s community has gathered in Forbury gardens to show support for the families and friends of James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails, and those who were injured in the gardens on 20 June 2020.

A private memorial service for family, friends and invited guests took place at nearby St Laurence’s Church. The group then made their way to the permanent memorial stone at Forbury Gardens bandstand where there was a short Civic Memorial Service, led by the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Mpofu Coles, and Rev’d Sonya Wratten, of the Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin.

The service featured a performance by local gospel singer Nichole Grace. Followed by a flower laying ceremony and a minute’s silence.

Amongst those paying tribute were civic leaders, representatives of the emergency services, Reading's three MPs and Home Office minister Seema Malhotra.

A wreath was laid on behalf of Home Secretary Yvette Cooper who is being pressured by the victims' families to take action on the lessons that were learnt from the tragedy.

Lanterns were placed at the spot where James, Joe and David died.

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