Though initial media reports appear to link the multiple stabbings in Reading park with the Black Lives Matter peaceful protest, police have confirmed the events are not linked.

A Black Lives Matter demonstration held earlier in the same park and was over before the stabbing incident on June 20.

Emergency services rushed to Forbury Gardens shortly after 7pm following reports of multiple injuries in the incident.

A man was arrested at the scene and taken into police custody, Thames Valley Police confirmed.

The force also later stated there is nothing to suggest the incident was linked to a protest held in the same park.

A spokesperson said: “We would ask members of the public not to share images or videos of the incident on social media, but instead to report these to the police.

“There is no indication that this incident is linked to the Black Lives Matter protest that took place in Reading, Berkshire, today.”

Nieema Hassan, an organiser of the Reading protest, posted a message on Facebook that demonstrators had dispersed by the time of the attack. “In terms of the protest and people that attended from Black Lives Matter, we’re all safe, none of us are affected.

“I have goose bumps knowing that this has happened only a few hours after we all peacefully came together today to talk about change and equality and its pretty heart breaking that this day has been tarnished with violence.”

Two air ambulances and several police vehicles responded to the attack, with images on social media showing a significant police presence.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “Officers, along with other emergency services were called to Forbury Gardens, Reading at around 7pm following reports of a stabbing that had taken place.

“A number of people sustained injuries and were taken to hospital.

“A police cordon is in place in Forbury Gardens as officers investigate.

“We are asking the public to avoid the area at this time.”

“We would ask that anyone with information relating to this incident contacts Thames Valley Police by calling 999, quoting reference 1159 20/6.”