A FANCY dress party-goer dressed as an astronaut was knocked unconcious after he refused to hand over cider.

Two men dressed as a pirate and astronaut left a fancy dress party on Audley Street at around 1.20am on November 5.

One of the victims, who was dressed as a pirate was carrying several cans of cider in a crate.

They were approached by two men in a dark blue Renault Scenic on Beresford Road and were asked for one of the cans.

When the victim refused the passenger of the Renault got out of the car and grabbed the crate.

The driver then also got out of the vehicle and began to assault the other victim, dressed as the astronaut.

He punched the astronaut knocking him unconscious.

The victim sustained injuries to his mouth and jaw, and was taken to hospital for treatment. He has since been discharged.

The first victim, who was confronted by the passenger, was not injured during the incident.

The first offender, the driver, is described as a white man aged between 18 and 25 years old, between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins with a slim build and short blonde hair.

The second offender, the passenger, is described as a white man also aged between 18 and 25 years old, between 6ft 1in and 6ft 2ins tall and with a slim build.

Both men were wearing dark clothing.

Investigating officer Steve Jennings, based at Reading police station, said: “We are investigating this robbery and are appealing for anyone who might have information to come forward.

“We are specifically appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or was in the area at the time of this robbery to come forward to police.”