Park death three released on bail

Scene of attack on the girls in Prospect Park, Reading

Police investigating the murder of a 16-year-old girl and an attack on her 18-year-old female friend have released three men they were questioning.

The girl was found dead after a gun and knife attack in Prospect Park, Reading, Berkshire, early on Saturday.

The 18-year-old is in a serious condition in hospital but has been able to give information about the attack.

The three men, who are all from London and in their 20s, have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Det Supt Mark Warwick, senior investigating officer, said both victims suffered a "knife and firearm attack" but declined to give further information.

This is a rare and terrible crime and we need your help to find out who is responsible Det Supt Mark Warwick

He said that even though the 18-year-old survivor was in a serious but stable condition in hospital she was able to provide the police with vital information about what had happened.

"We are getting some information and we are following lines of inquiry as fast as we can," he said.

Results of a post-mortem examination carried out on the murder victim are expected on Sunday, say Thames Valley Police.

The name of the 16-year-old has not been released.

Officers say they are keeping an open mind on any motive and would not say whether the men were known to the girls.

The 18-year-old asked for help from a passer-by in Tilehurst Road close to the park at about 0530 BST.

We're looking at the possibility that these are not the offenders Thames Valley Police

Officers then found the body of the dead girl in the park.

The older woman is in a "serious but stable" condition in hospital. Her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Floral tributes were also laid at the park on Sunday morning.

"This is a rare and terrible crime and we need your help to find out who is responsible," added Det Supt Warwick.

He said that the three men had been arrested on suspicion of "being concerned in, rather than responsible for" murder and attempted murder.

A police spokeswoman added: "We're looking at the possibility that these are not the offenders.

"With any murder investigation if we make arrests very early on, sometimes we have to make arrests as a precaution because if we didn't we could be letting the murderer get away."

A large area of the park centred on a playground and tennis court remains sealed off, with a white tent close to an area of woodland.

Specially-trained officers are supporting the dead girl's family, say police.