A TEENAGER is being sought by police in connection with robbery and fraud offences.

Preston Francis, 18, from Reading, is wanted by Thames Valley Police in connection with an incident on June 26 in Bracknell.

During the incident, the victim was walking in an underpass close to the Twin Bridges roundabout from Wildrings.

The 23-year-old man was approached by a group of men at around 9.30pm and was punched in the head by one of the men, causing his glasses to fall off.

The victim tried to get away and dropped his rucksack in the process. One of the men went through his rucksack, took out his wallet and removed bank cards.

The men left in the direction of Wildrings. The victim was not injured.

Shortly afterwards, the victim’s bank cards were used in the Costcutters shop in Wildridings.

Four contactless payments were attempted, one of which was successful.

An 18-year-old man from Reading was arrested on Friday (August 3) on suspicion of robbery and fraud by false representation in connection with this incident.

Another man, an 18-year-old from Bracknell, was arrested on July 17 on suspicion of robbery, fraud by false representation, possession of a class B controlled drug with intent to supply and making off without payment.

Both men were released under investigation.

Investigating officers are appealing for information from the public to trace Francis, who is black, aged in his late teens, 5ft 9ins, with short dark hair.

He has links to Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell.

Detective constable Paul Bentley, from Loddon Valley Investigation Hub, said: “I would like to appeal to anyone who knows Preston Francis’s whereabouts, or to Preston Francis directly, if he sees this appeal, to come forward.

“If you have any information to assist our investigation, please speak to officers.”

If you have any information about his whereabouts, call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting the reference ‘43180194317’ or visit: www.thamesvalley.police.uk for more.

If you do not want to speak to police, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.