Police probing murder in west Reading appeal over 'altercation'

Incident happened 24 hours before a man died in Dulnan Close in Tilehurst

Author: Jonathan RichardsPublished 12th Feb 2021

Officers from Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit investigating the death of a man in Tilehurst last Saturday are releasing an appeal for witnesses to an altercation, which occurred in Oxford Road on the Friday before.

The altercation, which occurred between two Asian males, took place between 2.48pm and 2.51pm outside the Polish delicatessen at the junction with Valentia Road.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Nick Hind said:

“We are investigating the possibility that this altercation in Oxford Road may be relevant to the incident that occurred on Saturday which led to the death of 26-year-old Raheem Hanif in Dulnan Close, Tilehurst, shortly before 7pm.

“I am appealing to anybody who was in the area of Oxford Road on Friday afternoon who believes that they witnessed this altercation, or who may have been driving past and has dash-cam footage, to please check this and get in touch with police if it has captured anything that could assist the investigation.

“I would also appeal to any residents who have CCTV or doorbell footage to please check this and contact police if it has recorded this altercation.

“You can do so by calling 101, quoting incident reference number 1916 or 6 February or by making a report online.

“You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Charges

Previously in the investigation into the death of Raheem Hanif:

  • A 16-year-old boy from Reading has been charged with one count of murder and one count of Section 18 GBH.
  • 23-year-old Abas Khan of Helmsdale Close in Reading has been charged with a single count of murder and one count of Section 18 GBH.
  • Two other boys aged 16 and 17, have also both charged with a count each of murder and one count of Section 18 GBH.
  • Four men, two aged 25 and two others aged 22 and 21, all from Reading, have all been arrested on suspicion of murder and released on conditional bail.

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