Reading College assault as ‘screaming’ college students ‘name their mums whereas crying’ in classes

A student inside Reading College at the time of the attack that left a boy injured and in hospital has spoken of their horror, saying people were “screaming and crying” during the lockdown earlier today.

Police have confirmed an arrest has been made after the boy was injured in an attack inside the college this afternoon. Reports suggest a stabbing happened inside the campus.

“We thought [a siren] was a test until we started hearing people screaming,” they told the BBC. “That is when we started getting scared. People were calling their mums, crying in lessons.”

A witness has spoken about the situation inside the college. “There was a problem with a student and all the students were lying on the floor,” they told the Reading Chronicle. “The campus was in lockdown and all of the kids were in lockdown.”

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson told the Daily Star: “We can confirm officers have made an arrest in connection with this incident.

“The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is being treated in hospital. Officers are still in the area, so if you’re worried or have any questions, please feel free to speak to them. Contrary to media reports, this incident has not been categorised as a major incident by the force.”

Thames Valley police earlier confirmed to the Daily Star that an incident was ongoing. A spokesperson said: “We are aware of an assault with injury in Kings Road, Reading. A boy has sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment.

“Search activity is ongoing, supported by armed officers, and a visible police presence remains. We advise members of the public to avoid the area at this time while officers work swiftly to resolve the situation.

“We will provide an update when we are in a position to do so.”

Initial reports suggested an individual was stabbed inside the campus on Kings Road following an altercation, with the college in lockdown.

A student told the Mirror that pupils were ordered to lay under their desks. They said: “At lunch someone set up a fire cracker, and now someone got stabbed. We were told to go for lockdown laying under desks after hearing lockdown alarm, we still in lockdown, not allowed to leave”.

In a statement, the college said it would be open on Friday as normal. It said: “An incident took place at Reading College earlier today where one student was assaulted and sustained injuries and we are working with the police to support their ongoing investigations.

“We want to reassure you that this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing risk to staff, students, or our wider community.”

An automated message was left on the college’s phone line on Thursday afternoon. The message read: “We are currently dealing with an incident at Reading College where one student has sustained injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

“Their family have been informed. The police have been notified and are present. Please be reassured that all actions have been taken to ensure students’ safety.”

A message reportedly displayed on a computer in classrooms demanded pupils to enter lockdown conditions. It read: “Please enter lockdown. This is not a drill. Please secure your rooms and keep students in.”