Multiple incidents of assaults and robbery reported in Reading
Police are appealing for witnesses
Thames Valley police are appealing for witnesses following a number of assaults and robberies in Reading.
The first incident happened on the 31st August at around 10pm, when a man and woman were approached by a group of men near John Lewis on Broad Street.
The main offender asked the victim, a man in his twenties, to open his bag - and stole £50 cash from him.
A 21-year-old man from Reading was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm and robbery. He has been released on bail.
The second was reported shortly after at around 11.30pm on the same day.
Six men entered Broad Street from Union Street and were approached by a group of about five men, who were then joined by a further 10-15 men.
The six men were assaulted with glass bottles by the larger group. One man also had their phone and wallet stolen by the offenders.
The victims sustained cuts, bruises, one of whom also sustained a dislocated knee, and attended hospital. They have since been discharged.
The offenders were described as teenagers, wearing dark clothing, holding glass bottles. Some offenders were on bikes and some were on foot.
A third offence then happened on 2nd September outside Lloyds Bank on Broad Street at around 2.20am.
The victim, an 18-year-old man, was punched, fell to the floor and then kicked on the floor.
He sustained facial injuries and bruising to the face. He did not require hospital treatment.
Staff investigator, Chelsea Hughes, based at Reading police station, said: “Due to the location and timings of these incidents we believe they are linked.
“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed or knows anything about any of these incidents to please come forward.
“Anyone with information can contact police by calling 101 or making a report online.
“Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.”