POLICE are appealing for witnesses after moped riders tried to swipe a cyclist's bag bag. 

At approximately 6.30pm on Tuesday (30/5), a 50-year-old woman was cycling on Redlands Road. She had her bag in the front basket of the bike, secured with a bungee cord.

As she was between the junctions with Allcroft Road and London Road, two people on a black moped drove extremely close to her and snatched her bag which caused the victim to fall from her bike.

The offenders then left on the moped in the direction of London Road.

The victim sustained injuries to her face, hips and hands, and was assisted at the scene by passers-by. She was taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital for treatment and has since been discharged.

The moped driver was described as wearing dark-coloured clothing with long sleeves and long trousers, which was possibly a tracksuit, and a black helmet. The passenger was wearing similar clothing.

Investigating officer, PC Victoria Driver from Reading Local Area CID, said: "This was a nasty incident which took place on a busy road congested with rush-hour traffic.

"I'd like to speak to anyone who witnessed the offence to please come forward. If you have any information, please call 101, quoting reference 43170156777."