Police in Reading ask taxi drivers for help over shirtless attacker
Three men were attacked in Friar Street
Thames Valley Police is appealing for specific witnesses to contact them in connection with an assault investigation in Reading town centre.
In the early hours of Sunday 27 November, three men were standing outside the Black Diamond Club off Friar Street when a group of five or six other men attacked them.
The incident then spilled out onto Friar Street and one of the victims ended up on the floor in the middle of the road.
He suffered a fractured cheekbone, fractured eye socket and lacerations, which required hospital treatment.
The other two victims were not hurt.
A number of taxis were around at this time and one of the offenders, who was shirtless, ran off in the direction of the IDR and appeared to try and stop a taxi.
One man, aged 26, from Reading, has been arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and has been released on bail while investigations continue.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Sophie Connor, of Reading CID, said:
“This was a very public incident and I am aware of a number of taxi drivers who were in the area.
“I am appealing to any of those who witnessed this assault to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police, either by reporting online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220534053.
“You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“I would also ask any members of the public who witnessed the assault and have not yet made contact with the police to please do so, and I would be particularly keen to hear from anybody who may have dash-cam or mobile phone footage of the incident to come forward."