Tributes have been paid to an "inspirational" teacher who was killed in the Reading terror attack.
James Furlong, head of history, government and politics at The Holt School in Wokingham, Berkshire, has been named locally as one of the three victims of last night's horror incident.
Co-headteachers Anne Kennedy and Katie Pearce paid their respects to Mr Furlong, and described him as a "kind and gentle man" who had a "real sense of duty and cared for each and every one of our students".
In a statement, they said: "He truly inspired everyone he taught through his passion for his subject and his dedication. He was determined that our students would develop a critical awareness of global issues and in doing so become active citizens and have a voice.
"As a Holt community, we all now need to absorb this sad news. Counsellors will be available for students and staff.
"Words cannot describe our shock and sadness at this time. Our thoughts are with his mum, dad, brother and family, and his friends and colleagues.
"He was a cherished colleague and he will be sadly missed."
A 25-year-old man remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder after last night's ordeal, which took place at Forbury Gardens at about 7pm.
The suspect is a Libyan asylum seeker and mental health is being considered a major factor in the incident, a security source has said.
He has been named as Khairi Saadallah.
Officers attended along with the ambulance service and found a number of people who were badly injured before being taken to hospital.
Lessons at Mr Furlong's Wokingham school have been cancelled for all year groups, and counsellors will be onsite for students wishing to come to school and talk.
The local church will also be opened from 9am for people to go and light a candle in his memory.
Former pupils have paid tribute to their teacher, describing him as "the best".
Jade Simon, a pupil at The Holt from 2012-2017, told the PA news agency: "He really was an incredible teacher.
"He was funny and kind and always made history fun and entertaining. History was always one of my favourite subjects and Mr Furlong always encouraged it."
Keith Power, whose daughter attends the school, said: "He was a wonderful man. He was so helpful and supportive of my daughter. He had a real passion for history and teaching and was so caring of his pupils.
"It's so senseless. So much hatred in the world right now. I fear for my kid's futures."
Responding to the news, Wokingham Labour tweeted: "Devastated to discover that James Furlong, one of the victims of the Reading stabbings, was a teacher at the Holt.
"His loss is a devastating blow to his family, colleagues, students, the wider Holt family and our whole community. Our thoughts are with them all."
