A SCHOOLBOY is at the centre of a police investigation today after a man was attacked in an alleyway by a knife-wielding thug.

The victim, understood to have been aged in his twenties, was walking along an alleyway in Caversham shortly after 5pm when he was suddenly stopped by two males.

One of the attackers then drew a blade and threatened him with it, demanding he hand over the contents of his bag, understood to have contained an iPad and a laptop.

Stunned by the attack, the man fled to a nearby street and banged on a resident's door, demanding that they called the police, sources revealed.

The victim was not seriously injured in the attack, but officers from Thames Valley Police confirmed that a 15-year-old child was taken into custody as part of the investigation.

Anyone with information about the shocking attack was urged to contact the force immediately on 101.

The man was walking between South View Avenue and Falkland Road in Caversham when he was stopped in his tracks.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "It was reported that the victim, a man aged in his twenties, was walking down an alleyway and was threatened by two males, one of whom had a knife. The victim's bag was stolen in the incident. Anyone with any information about the incident should call police on 101.

"A 15-year-old boy from Reading was arrested on suspicion of robbery and is currently in custody."

It was understood that a number of the victim's personal belongings were stolen in the attack.

More to follow.