Two teenagers are wanted after a woman was sexually assaulted near a Reading underpass.

The masked teens were riding bikes when they approached her as she was standing outside the Hook and Tackle pub in Katesgrove Lane.

One of the teens lifted the victim's skirt, slapped her thigh and ripped her clothes.

When the victim, who is in her twenties, tried to escape, the second teen attempted to steal her phone from her hand and take her bag.

Members of the public were alerted when she shouted for help, causing the teens cycle off.


Police are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage of the assault, which happened between 7.30pm and 7.40pm on Thursday, September 12, to come forward.

The first teen is described as white, stands at between 5ft 3in and 5ft 8in tall and is aged between 14 to 16 years old.

He is of slim build.

During the attack, his face was covered with a scarf which was black with white patterns, and he was wearing dark clothing, possibly a tracksuit with a hooded jumper. He was on a dark coloured bike.

The second teen is mixed race with olive skin, standing at roughly 5ft 3in and 5ft 8in tall, and is also aged between 14 to 16 years-old.

He was wearing dark clothing with a hooded top covering his face. He was also on a dark coloured bike.

Nothing was stolen from the woman, but she did suffer scratches and bruising to her thigh.

She did not require hospital treatment.


Zoe Purnell, based at the police station in Reading , Berkshire, said: "This was a frightening incident for the victim, but thankfully nothing was stolen from her and she was not seriously injured.

"I am appealing to anybody who was in the area at the time of the offence who believes that they may have witnessed anything, to contact the 24-hour non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 43190282834.

"Alternatively, you can make a report online , or call the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"Similarly, if anybody was driving in the area at the time and has dash-cam, I am asking you to please check this as it may have captured evidence that is vital to this investigation."