THIEVES who forced their victim against a wall before holding him at knifepoint are being hunted by police.

A 23-year-old man was walking down an alleyway at around 5.10pm on November 21 last year, between Falkland Avenue and Southview Avenue, before he was slashed with the blade and a number of valuable items were taken.

Two men made off with the victim’s wallet, iPhone and his backpack, which contained a laptop, bank cards and other electronics. 

Although the attack took place in November last year, police have released the following image in an attempt to identify the culprits.

The first man was spotted leaning against a nearby fence, while the second attacker emerged from behind a bush, before they pushed him against a wall and raided his pockets.

The taller of the two robbers held the man by his jacket and pulled out a seven-inch knife, threatening the victim by holding the blade against his face.

He demanded his wallet and slashed the victim’s chest, causing damage to his jacket, before the second attacker raided his pockets and made off with his mobile phone.

The victim was left shaken by the attack, but he did not require medical attention.

His rucksack was also taken, with several of his bank cards being used throughout Reading.

A 15-year-old boy from Caversham has been arrested on suspicion of robbery in connection with this incident and is on bail until Friday, April 7.

Shelene Potter, based at Reading Police station, said: “While it was fortunate that the victim did not require hospital treatment, it was a nasty robbery which left him very shaken up.

“We would urge anyone who recognises the person in the CCTV image to contact us on 101 or if he recognises himself then please get in touch as he may have vital information about this robbery.”

Anyone with information can call Thames Valley Police on 101 quoting reference ‘1119 (21/11/16)’, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.