Fatal stabbing attack in UK declared a terrorist incident

Counter-terrorism police have taken charge of the investigation into a fatal stabbing incident in the English town of Reading on Saturday night after it was declared a terrorist incident.

A 25-year-old man, believed to be from Libya, was arrested after an incident in a park, which left three people dead and three more seriously injured.

Following the attack, armed police carried out an operation on a block of flats in the town, where the suspect is thought to have lived, and there were reports from neighbors of a "controlled explosion" taking place.

The BBC reports that the man arrested is believed to have served time in prison for a minor conviction, with no terrorist connections.

"We will be working closely with our partners over the coming days and weeks to support the Reading community during this time, as well as with CTPSE (Counter Terrorism Policing South East) as they progress their investigation," said Thames Valley Chief Constable John Campbell.

"Police cordons continue to be in place and are likely to be for some time as CTPSE work further to investigate this incident and establish exactly what happened."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to senior security officials and Cabinet colleagues at Downing Street early on Sunday morning, shortly after the declaration of the terrorist incident, and was briefed on latest developments.