A MAN suffered spinal fractures after being repeatedly struck with a metal pole during a brutal attack.

The victim, a 54-year-old man, was assaulted outside a convenience store on Northumberland Avenue at around 9.10pm on May 20.

Two boys, aged 15 and 12-years-old, have been arrested on suspicion of GBH with intent.

The man was stood outside the Simply Fresh shop when he was approached by a group of four offenders wearing dark clothing.

They blugeoned him repeatedly with the weapon and he sustained serious injuries, including a spinal fracture, as a result.

He was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Detective inspector David Turton, from Reading Force CID said: "We are investigating the full circumstances of this incident and we are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

"The victim sustained considerable injuries in this brutal assault.

"Anyone who may have seen this attack or has any information about it is being asked to contact police on 101."

If you have any information relating to this case, call 101 quoting reference '43180152393', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.