Three people have died and another three are seriously injured after multiple stabbings at a park in Reading. 

The attack happened in Forbury Gardens in the town centre – and a man was arrested at the scene and taken into police custody, Thames Valley Police said.

A security source added that the man who has been arrested is Libyan.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter said officers were keeping an open mind as to possible motives for the incident.

He said: “We have made one arrest and at this stage we are not looking for any other people in connection with this incident. There is no intelligence to suggest that there is any further danger to the public, however we urge people to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious by calling police.

“This is not currently being treated as a terrorism incident, however officers are keeping an open mind as to the motivation for the incident and are being supported by colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing South East.

“There have been some reports that this incident was linked to the Black Lives Matter protest which took place in Reading earlier this afternoon. I can confirm that this incident is not connected. It occurred around three hours after the protest had concluded.”

Thames Valley Police said a man, aged 25 from Reading, was arrested at the scene and taken into police custody. They have since launched a murder investigation.

The attack was initially suspected to be terror-related, but officers later said it was not being treated as such.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “This evening we saw a senseless attack on people simply enjoying a Saturday evening with family and friends.

“My heart, prayers and thoughts are with all of those affected and to the people of Reading who will be deeply shocked and concerned by this terrible incident.

“I am in contact with the police and will ensure they have all the support they need. I would like to thank Thames Valley Police and the emergency services for their response.

“For now, I ask the public locally to share any information they may have with the police and to continue to avoid the area.”

Personal trainer Lawrence Wort, 20, who said he was around 10 metres from the attack, told PA: “The park was pretty full, a lot of people sat around drinking with friends, when one lone person walked through, suddenly shouted some unintelligible words and went around a large group of around 10, trying to stab them.

“He stabbed three of them, severely in the neck, and under the arms, and then turned and started running towards me, and we turned and started running.

“When he realised that he couldn’t catch us, he tried to stab another group sat down, he got one person in the back of the neck and then when he realised everyone was starting to run, he ran out the park.”

The two casualties are being treated in the emergency department of the Royal Berkshire Hospital, a spokeswoman said.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “My thoughts are with all of those affected by the appalling incident in Reading and my thanks to the emergency services on the scene.”