Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after an attempted robbery in Reading last night (23/1).
At just after 8pm, a 21-year-old man was walking home from Coronation Square along an alleyway to Ashampstead Road and Hatford Road, Reading when a white man ran past him, with two black men chasing him.
As the man reached his own front garden in Brunel Road, someone grabbed him around the neck from behind. The Reading victim managed to shake him off and banged on his front door. The offender was then joined by four other black men in the victim’s front garden, who all began punching the victim, before one of them pulled a black firearm from his pocket and demanded the victim’s belongings. The victim stated he didn’t have anything with him, and the victim’s mother then came to the front door. All the men left the garden and walked off.
Nothing was stolen in the Reading incident. The victim sustained bruising to his ear.
Det Sgt Andy Beeney, investigating the Reading incident, said: “Fortunately the victim was not badly injured in this incident, however he was left very shaken.
“We do not know whether this was an imitation firearm or not at this stage and are keen to track down the people responsible. We are especially keen to speak to the white youth the victim saw being chased just before he was attacked.
“Anyone who saw the group or has any information about the incident, please contact us via the non-emergency number, 101.”
If you don’t want to speak to police or leave your name, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Thames Valley Police ~ Reading
