Appeal after cyclist stabbed near towpath

THAMES Valley police is appealing for witnesses after a man was stabbed on Monday.

At around 3.25pm, the victim, a teenager, was cycling on the Kennetside towpath when he was stabbed to the chest by a male near to Avon Place.

The victim suffered serious but not lifethreatening injuries. He was taken to hospital for further treatment, where he remains in a stable condition.

The offender is described as a light-skinned black male, around 6ft 1ins.

As a result, Thames Valley Police enacted a Section 60 order for East Reading for 24 hours from 6.40pm. This was due to expire after we had gone to press, and it may be extended.

A Section 60 order can only be put in place in a defined area at a specific time when a senior officer believes there is a possibility of serious violence, or weapons being carried.

The order temporarily enhances powers for officers, meaning they can stop and search anyone in the area announced.

The order covers the railway line to north then within the following roads: Vastern Road, Forbury Road, Watlington Street, Queen’s Road, A327, Christchurch Road, Elmhurst Road, Upper Redlands Road, Whiteknights Road, Wilderness Road, B3350 Church Road and A3290.

Detective Sergeant Alex Willis, of Reading

CID, said: “We are carrying out a thorough investigation following this stabbing and I am appealing for any witnesses to please come forward.

“We believe this was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider community.

“We have put the Section 60 order in place while we carry out our investigation into this incident.”

He added: “Anyone with any information relating to this incident should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43220293616.

“Also I would ask anyone who has CCTV, a dash-cam or a video doorbell to please check their footage and get in touch if it shows anything that could assist our enquiries.

“Alternatively, you can provide information completely anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”