Between 3.15pm and 3.45pm, a boy was walking with friends in Arbor Lane at the junction of Kelburne Close in Winnersh. They walked past an unknown male that shouted at the group.

The boy approached him and was assaulted. The victim was grabbed by the throat, pulled to the floor then kicked and punched. He was left with bruising and cuts.

The offender is Asian and around 6ft tall, slim, with medium length black hair. He is believed to be a teenager. He was wearing an olive green coat with fur around the hood, dark grey trousers and was carrying a blue and yellow Adidas shoulder bag.

Investigating officer PC Paul Bentley said: “We believe this is an isolated incident and are treating it as such. However, we are stepping up our patrols and will be doing reassurance patrols in the area.

“I would urge anyone with information or anyone who witnessed this incident to come forward. I believe it was busy at the time as this road is used as a cut through from the Reading Road and also used by school kids and parents whilst on the way home.” Anyone with information about this incident should contact PC Bentley via the 24-hour enquiry line 101.

Or you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.