Thames Valley Police appeal for witnesses to attempted robbery and assault on the A4 between Newbury and Thatcham

Police are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery and assault in Thatcham, which left a man needing surgery on his arm.

At around 5.45pm last Thursday (June 15), the victim, a man in his twenties, was walking home along the A4 from Newbury to Thatcham when the offender jumped out of the bushes and followed him across the road, outside Thatcham Garden Centre.

The offender told him to “give over all of his stuff” and then swore at him. The victim then ran away.

The offender chased after him, tripped him up and started punching and kicking him. There were three or four other people with the offender but they did not assault the victim.

The victim suffered a fractured elbow/broken ligament, a black eye, cuts and bruising to his hip and leg. He attended Royal Berkshire Hospital and now needs to return for surgery on his arm.

Investigating officer, PC Fiona Rankin, based at Newbury police station, said: “We are appealing for anyone who may have information or witnessed this incident to come forward.

“You can call us on 101 or make a report online, quoting reference number 43230263611.

“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”