A WOMAN has been saved from an assault in Arborfield by her heroic dogs.

At around 5.30am on Sunday (3) morning, a woman in her forties was walking her dogs in woodland near the junction of Baird Road and Princess Marina Drive.

When she was opposite St Elgius Church, a man approached her from behind. He grabbed her, but she fought back and her dogs bit the man.

The victim managed to run away, but suffered scratches to her chest during the assault.

The offender is described as white, between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins tall, and of slim build. He is around 30-years-old, clean shaven and described as being eastern European.

He was wearing a navy or black hooded top with matching tracksuit trousers, a black woollen scarf around his neck and lower half of his face, dark coloured trainers and dark gloves.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Nathan Lampard, of Reading Force CID, said: “Detectives are investigating this incident and are keeping an open mind in relation to the motive. I am appealing for information from the public, specifically to any dog walkers who may recognise the description of the offender as he may have been in the area on previous occasions.

“Are you aware of anybody with unexplained dog bites? Please report any information, regardless of how insignificant you think it may be, to police.

“People in the community may notice uniformed police officers in the local area in the next few days appealing for witnesses and working to locate the offender. Anyone who has any information, or who wishes to raise anything, can approach and speak to an officer or call 101.”

Anyone with any information is urged to call 101, quoting reference number 43180167220.