#No terror link in stabbing that left three dead in British park, officials say

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Forensic officers near the scene where reports state that three people were stabbed in Forbury Gardens, Reading, England.
EPA/WILL OLIVER

One man was arrested after three people were knifed to death and another three seriously injured in a mass stabbing in a British park — but authorities now say the incident is not being considered a terror attack.

The suspect, a 25-year-old resident of Reading, England, apparently walked into the crowded Forbury Gardens park on a bright summer evening and began slashing people at random, according to reports. At least 12 people were stabbed.

One witness described the alleged stabber as a “long person” walking through the park who “suddenly shouted some unintelligible words and went round a large group trying to stab them,” according to the BBC.

Early reports indicated police were treating the incident as “terror-related,” but authorities have since said they do not think there is a terror link.

The man was arrested on suspicion of murder, said police. No other suspects are being sought.

“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,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter, adding “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.”

Armed police were later seen entering an apartment complex near the park but it’s unclear how the Basingstoke Road homes were connected to the fatal stabbings.