A TEENAGE boy was assaulted by a gang after he refused to give them his bag with cash inside. 

At around 1.35pm on February 2, a 17 and an 18-year-old boy were approached by four men in Subway on Duke Street.

The four men asked for some tobacco, which the two teenage boys supplied. 

After they all left Subway and walked along the River Kennet canal path near Duke Street, the group demanded the victim's bag. 

The teenager refused to give it so the three men grabbed onto it and the fourth offender hit the victim on his shoulder with a baton. 

The group of men fled the scene towards Reading College and stole a quantity of cash, along with the bag. 

The victim suffered bruising on his back but did not require hospital treatment. 

One of the group is described as an Asian man, and one out of the three black men is described as the offender of the assault and is 6ft 4ins tall. 

They were all wearing gloves and had their hoods up.

Investigating officer PC Colin Boyes based at Reading Police Station, said: “This was a distressing incident for these two victims, one of which suffered injuries as a result of this robbery.

“We believe that a number of people could have seen these offenders, before, during or after this incident and we would like to speak to anyone who has information that could help this investigation.

“If you recognise the description of these offenders or you witnessed this incident, please get in touch.”

Anyone with any details which could assist the investigation should contact the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting the reference 43190034928, or you can make a report online.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.