Police in Reading launch murder investigation
It follows incident in Tilehurst last week
Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit commenced a murder investigation after a man who was seriously injured in an incident at Tilehurst in Reading died in hospital.
The victim, a man aged in his late teens, from Reading, was injured following an incident in Pierces Hill, Tilehurst, on Thursday (4/8) and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he passed away yesterday (9/8).
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Sally Spencer, of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said:
“A murder investigation has now been launched after a man very sadly died in hospital of his injuries following an incident last week.
“Although formal identification has not yet taken place, the victim’s family are aware and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers at this extremely difficult time. I would ask on their behalf that their privacy is respected.
“My thoughts and the thoughts of all of us at Thames Valley Police remain with the victim’s family and friends.
“We are following several lines of enquiry and have made a number of arrests in connection with this incident.
“A 17-year-old boy from Reading has previously been charged with attempted murder, and two others arrested on suspicion of attempted murder are currently on police bail while our investigation continues.
“We are also investigating a linked incident which occurred on the same evening in Coronation Square, Southcote, where a teenage girl was assaulted.
“She suffered serious facial injuries and was treated in hospital, but has since been discharged.
“I am again appealing to anybody who has any information about either incident, which we believe are linked, to get in touch with Thames Valley Police.
“I’m particularly keen to hear from anybody who has dash-cam, doorbell or CCTV footage from either Coronation Square, Southcote, or Pierces Hill, Tilehurst, to please get in touch.
“We continue to believe that those involved in these incidents are known to each other and there is no wider risk to the public.
“I would urge the public not to speculate about either incident, but instead please call us if you have any information that can assist this investigation.
“Anyone with information can contact Thames Valley Police by making a report online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220347031.
“Alternatively, for anonymity, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Arrests so far
A 17-year-old boy from Reading has previously been charged with attempted murder in connection with the Tilehurst incident and will appear at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday (16/8).
Kayden Williams, 18, of Don Close, Tilehurst, has been charged with section 20 GBH without intent and assault by beating in connection with the incident in Southcote.
Two other men, aged 18 and 20, both from Reading, who were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the Tilehurst incident, remain on conditional police bail until 1 September, along with a 38-year-old man, also from Reading, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.