The inquest into the tragic deaths of three 2020 Reading terror attack victims, James Furlong, Dr David Wails and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, has begun.

Speaking outside the Old Bailey, London, Mr Gary Furlong, father of James Furlong said: "The families of James Furlong, Dr David Wails and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett have waited patiently for three-and-a-half years for this day to arrive."

Mr Furlong detailed the path the families have undertaken since their loss.

Live updates: Inquest begins into Reading terror attack

They waited as Khairi Saadallah was convicted and sentenced for the murders of their sons, furthermore as Saadallah appealed his whole-life sentence.

The families felt justice being served when Saadallah lost his appeal.

Mr Furlong said: "Today, at last, the inquest process begins.

"We are looking forward to finding the answers to the questions we have held on to for so long."

Key areas for exploration during the inquest will include public bodies’ dealings with Saadallah, his management in prison and probation, as well as the approach taken in respect of his mental health issues and radicalisation risk.

"We trust Judge Coroner Sir Adrian Fulford to conduct a thorough and fearless inquest over the next six weeks," added Mr Furlong.

Their quest for answers continues, culminating in February.

He stated: "When the process concludes in February we want to be reassured that no stone has been left unturned in the quest for answers about how the murders of our loved ones could have taken place."

He further added, "Nothing can bring back James, David and Joseph, but we owe it to them to find honest answers about whether their deaths could have been avoided and what could have been done to save us from their loss."