A TEENAGER was rushed to the hospital for surgery after he was brutally stabbed by an attacker wearing an Arsenal football shirt.

The victim, a 19-year-old, was approached by a man and two women on Thorn Street shortly before 7pm on Monday.

The man pulled out a weapon, believed to be a black-handled knife, out of a woman's handbag.

He sustained a 'significant' stab wound to his elbow and he was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital for surgery. He has since been discharged.

The prime suspect is described as a black male, who was wearing a long-sleeved red Arsenal football shirt.

He had braided hair and was carrying a small black bag.

Investigating officer Natalie Powell, of Force CID at Reading, said: “This was a nasty attack that took place in a busy area of Reading in broad daylight.

"The victim sustained a significant stab wound to his elbow which required surgery.

“I am appealing to anybody that was in the vicinity of Thorn Street or Oxford Road that may have witnessed the assault or who recognises any of the descriptions given to contact police on the non-emergency number.”

The attacker was accompanied by two females, one of whom is described as black, wearing a short-sleeved Arsenal football shirt and carrying a camouflage jacket and a rucksack.

The other female is described as mixed race, wearing an orange bomber style jacket and tight jeans. She had distinctive hooped earrings and had a bun-style haircut.

If you have any information relating to this case, call 101 quoting reference '43180119855', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.