Nick Thomas-Symonds, Shadow Home Secretary, has today (Tuesday 23 June) visited Forbury Gardens in Reading to lay flowers in memory of the three men who were killed on Saturday and pay tribute to the bravery of those who responded to the incident.

At the visit he met with key people involved in the response including, Chief Constable, John Campbell; Local MP, Matt Rodda; Leader of the Council, Jason Brock and community representatives, including members of faith communities and local LGBT groups.

Commenting, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, said:

“Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of David Wails, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and James Furlong. The heartfelt messages we have seen in recent days clearly show how deeply loved these men are and how much they will be missed.

“The people of Reading – and the whole country – are united in horror, anger and pain at this awful tragedy. As well as determination that terrorists will never win in their attempts to divide us.

“I met emergency workers today, to thank them for their response to this incident. They ran towards danger, alongside members of the public, to help save others. This reminds us who the real heroes in our society are and that in the face of the very worst of humanity, we also see the best.”