Reading ‘terror’ attack: ‘Inspirational’ teacher James Furlong named among the dead as pupils and colleagues pay tribute
ONE of the victims of the suspected terror attack in Reading has been named as a secondary school teacher.
James Furlong, 36, was the head of history, government and politics where he taught at The Holt School in Wokingham.
He was among the three people who were killed on Saturday in a random knife attack in Forbury Gardens in the town's centre.
Mr Furlong was said to be a huge supporter of the LGBT community.
His parents described their son as a "wonderful" man.
Gary and Janet said in a statement issued through Thames Valley Police: "James was a wonderful man. He was beautiful, intelligent, honest and fun.
"He was the best son, brother, uncle and partner you could wish for. We are thankful for the memories he gave us all.
"We will never forget him and he will live in our hearts forever."
He was very popular with his pupils at the Holt Community School in Wokingham.
Mr Furlong's pupils have described him as "simply the best" as they've left heartbreaking tributes to their unforgettable teacher.
One wrote on Facebook: "I have no words to describe the immense shock and sadness I feel for his loved one.
"Mr Furlong was a kind man, he genuinely cared for his students and had an absolute passion for history."
They added: "My friends and I were just talking about Mr F only yesterday and reminiscing about old times.
"This world is cruel and unfair and I will never understand this. Mr Furlong you will be missed dearly."
'UNFORGETTABLE TEACHER'
Another pupil tweeted: "My thoughts are with his loved ones. He is one man who will never be forgotten."
Jade Sirmon, a pupil at The Holt from 2012-2017, said: "He really was an incredible teacher.
"He was funny and kind and always made history fun and entertaining.
"History was always one of my favourite subjects and Mr Furlong always encouraged it."
Councillor James Box, who lives in Wokingham, described Mr Furlong as an excellent teacher.
He said: "He was one of the teachers who taught my daughter Ellie.
"This has come as a real shock to us all. The school put out a message to parents to say he was one of these who died."
In a statement Anne Kennedy and Katie Pearce, the co-headteachers at the Holt School, said: "James was very kind and a gentle man. He had a real sense of duty and cared for each and everyone of our students.
"He trly inspired everyone he taught through his passion for his subject and his dedication."
Cllr Box said: "James was a very good teacher - excellent. I did not know him very well though. He was very popular at The Holt.
Khairi Saadallah, 25, originally from Libya, is accused of carrying out a random knife attack at about 6.45pm on Saturday.
Three people died following the attack and a further three were hospitalised with serious injuries, though two have since been discharged.
The suspect was detained and arrested, and Thames Valley Police have this morning said the incident is being investigated as an act of terror.
No further details of a possible motive have been released, but mental health is being considered as a major factor, a source told the PA.
Saadallah arrived in the UK in 2012 as a tourist before claiming asylum on the grounds that his life was being threatened by Islamists in Libya, the reported.
He has at least one previous conviction for a "minor violent offence", reported, and he is thought to have spent at least 12 months in jail.
He was being supervised by the National Probation Service, the reported, and court reports suggest a number of additional convictions for a man of the same name, age, and address.
None of the suspect’s previous convictions are believed to be terror-related, but security sources have told the he was known to MI5.
In August last year, a man of the same name, age, and address appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court after allegedly assaulting a judge at Reading Magistrates' Court while being sentenced for two previous convictions, the reported.
In April last year, a man of the same name and age was imprisoned for two months for a common assault on an emergency worker and fined £115 for possession of a blade, the reported.
A foreign national given a jail term of 12 months or more for a violent offence would typically face automatic deportation, but at present the UK would not deport a person to Libya because of the country's ongoing civil war.
Saadallah is also thought to have been previously charged with affray, assault by beating, and possessing an offensive weapon following an altercation with a Sainsbury’s security guard who had accused him of shoplifting.
Saturday's attack will raise questions about whether Saadallah should have been more closely monitored following his release.
Police have confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack.
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Detective Chief Superintendent Kath Barnes, Head of CTPSE, said: “The investigation continues to move at a fast pace.
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“We know that the suspect entered into Forbury Gardens in the centre of Reading and attacked members of the public with a knife leaving three people dead and three people needing hospital treatment.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families who will be mourning loved ones after this horrific act, and to all those who have been affected by it. We continue to work with the coroner to formally identify those who have died and to inform and support their relatives."
