The Chair made the following announcement:

‘On Saturday night three people, enjoying the late evening sunshine and beautiful surroundings of the Forbury Gardens, were killed in a brutal and senseless attack. I speak for everybody at the Council when I say our thoughts and prayers remain firmly with the families of those three people who lost their lives, and for those who were seriously injured. We cannot begin to imagine the hurt and grief.

I would also like to again express my appreciation for the incredible response of police and emergency service colleagues who acted so swiftly to prevent further harm.

Reading remains in a state of shock. That will be the case for some considerable time. If there is one thing I know about our town, however, it’s that we are a community that stands resolute in the face of challenges. Earlier today I joined both the town’s MPs, faith and community leaders and the Mayor of Reading to lay flowers at the Abbey Gateway. We are a safe and peaceful town with a long and proud history of good community relations. Over the difficult days, weeks and months ahead it is more important than ever to stand by these local strengths, and I am confident we will.

Can I now respectfully ask everybody taking part in this meeting, and those watching, to participate in a minute’s silence in memory of those who died this weekend?’