A DEFENCELESS man has been left with serious head injuries after he was assaulted outside a chicken shop in the town centre.

The victim, 53, was in Perfect Fried Chicken before an argument broke out with another unknown male at around 3am on Tuesday, April 25.

He left the shop, before the man ran up behind him and hit him, causing him to fall to the floor and lose consciousness.

He was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital with serious head injuries.

It is believed there was a large group of people outside the chicken shop at the time of the offence.

Thames Valley Police have released images of a man they wish to speak with in connection with the assault.

Detective constable Nathan Lampard, investigating officer from Force CID Reading, said: “We are appealing to the man in this CCTV image, or anyone who knows or recognises him to contact police because we believe he may have vital information about the incident.

“This was a serious act of violence against a victim who was walking away and defenceless.

"There were a large amount of people present on St Mary’s Butts at the time of the offence so we are appealing to anyone with any information to please contact police.”