THUGS stopped a car, beat a man to the ground and stole his mobile phone in a shocking broad daylight attack, it has emerged.

Police said the victim, a 39-year-old man, was stood using his phone in Elliotts Way, Caversham, when a black Vauxhall Insignia drove past.

Suddenly, the car came to a halt and reversed before two men stepped out of the vehicle and attacked the innocent bystander.

The attackers kicked and punched the victim, breaking his nose and causing injuries to his ribs, before driving off.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said the attackers both spoke with local accents, adding: "A black Vauxhall Insignia was then driven past the victim, before it was stopped and reversed. At this point two men got out of the vehicle.

"The offenders then kicked and punched the victim and stole his phone.

"The driver of the car is a black man, in his mid-twenties, about 5ft 9ins to 10ins, with short dark hair.

"The passenger is a black man, in his early to mid-twenties, about 5ft 11ins, slim, with short dark hair."

Police said the victim was taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital for treatment but has since been discharged.

Meanwhile, a 24-year-old man from Reading was arrested on suspicion of robbery and released on police bail until September 2.

An investigation into the attack, which happened shortly before 4.30pm on Friday, August 3, is underway and anyone with information should contact the force on 101.

Police constable Amy Ward said: "This is a serious offence which has left the victim requiring hospital treatment.

"It happened during daylight, therefore I believe there might be witnesses who have not yet come forward.

"This type of offence will not be tolerated and I would urge anyone who knows anything about this incident come forward. The easiest way to contact police is by visiting https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/or calling 101 and quoting reference number 43180237938."