A YOUNG woman was grabbed from behind and managed to escape during a failed kidnapping attempt, it has emerged.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, was walking on Great Knollys Street, Reading, on October 25 at around 11pm when she was chased.

She was grabbed from behind and became suspicious when a car drove past her and the driver of the vehicle flashed the headlights.

Investigating officers from Thames Valley Police are particularly keen to speak with the driver of this car and anyone who may have dash-cam footage from the area, including Caversham Road.

The offender, who was said to be wearing a high-visibility jacket, then chased the victim and grabbed her a second time.

She managed to escape without injury and police have since arrested a 19-year-old man from Reading in connection with the incident.

He has been arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnapping and he remains in custody.

The offender is described as a white man, around 5ft 6ins tall, with blonde hair.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident.

Detective sergeant Alice Ashman, of Force CID at Reading, said: “I am directly appealing for the car driver to contact police as I believe he or she will have crucial information about this incident.

“I am also asking for anybody else who believes that they have witnessed this incident, or who may have dash-cam footage along the Caversham Road at around the time of the incident to call the 24-hour number 101, quoting reference number 43180326868.

“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or you can visit https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ and provide all the details there.”