A TEENAGE girl was approached by four knife-wielding men as part of a kidnapping conspiracy, police have revealed.

The gang, wearing balaclavas and carrying metal poles, threatened the 'frightened' 17-year-old girl on Kendrick Road on April 21, at around 10pm.

One of the men demanded to know the whereabouts of another girl and continued to make threats when she refused.

Two youths and a 19-year-old man have been arrested and released in connection with the offence.

Investigating officer Nathan Adby, of the Domestic Abusive Investigation Unit at Reading Police Station, said: “This was a frightening and brazen offence and we are treating it as a conspiracy to kidnap, because the offenders made threats to the victim, demanding the whereabouts of another girl.

“The offenders were armed with a machete, lock knife, large kitchen knife and extendable baton.

“I hope to hear from anyone who lives nearby who may have seen suspicious activity between 9.30pm and 11.30pm, or who may have information relating to this incident to contact me on the non-emergency number, 101, quoting reference number 43180120137.

“If anybody was driving through the area and has dash cam footage, please also get in contact.”

“I would like to reassure the public that we believe this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider public. A thorough investigation is underway, including house to house and CCTV enquiries.”

A 16-year-old youth Reading has been arrested on suspicion of conspiring to kidnap, and another 16-year-old youth has been arrested on suspicion of conspiring to kidnap and possession of an offensive weapon.

A 19-year-old man, also from Reading, has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to commit GBH with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

If you have any information relating to this case, please call 101 quoting reference '43180120137', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.