Northants Police urge ‘vigilance’ following terror attack in Reading

County police chiefs have issued a plea for people in the county to be vigilant following the tragic murders of three people in Reading.

A 25-year-old man is in police custody following the incident in Forbury Park last night that police say they are treating as an act of terror.

In a statement issued this afternoon, Northants Police said they did not believe there was a link to our area, but advised caution.

Their statement said: “Following the tragic events in Reading yesterday, our thoughts at Northamptonshire Police are with the family and friends of those who lost their lives as well as our colleagues at Thames Valley Police who responded to this incident.

“Counter Terrorism Police have now declared this incident as an act of terrorism and while the national threat level has not changed and there are no known links to Northamptonshire, we are asking the public to be extra vigilant and to report anything suspicious.

”Incidents of this nature are very rare but if you see something that doesn’t look right, report it in confidence to police.

“Be assured that we would always rather respond to something and find out it is harmless than not be told at all.

“Please also remember the RUN, HIDE, TELL guidance in the rare event of being caught up in a firearms or weapon attack.

“If you see one of our officers on patrol in the coming days, don't hesitate to approach them with any concerns or questions.

“As Thames Valley Police have stated, there is no link between yesterday’s events and the Black Lives Matter protests.”

Anyone with any terror-related concerns should visit this website for further information or call the counter-terrorism hotline on 0800 789321. If there is an immediate risk, always call 999.