A CYCLIST was stabbed during a terrifying robbery after a thief demanded he empty his pockets.

The victim, a 32-year-old man, was on the tow path behind Napier Road when he was stopped at around 3pm on February 12.

The offender stopped him to ask for a cigarette and then grabbed by the scruff of the neck, holding a knife to the man's chest.

He demanded money from the victim, who threw the contents of his pockets to the floor.

As the victim cycled away, he realised he was bleeding from the chest and he took himself to Royal Berkshire Hospital.

He received treatment for a single stab wound to the upper chest, with the offender thought to have taken £10 in change.

Investigating officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who saw a man enter the car park of the nearby Tesco at this time.

The man responsible for the robbery and stabbing is described as a white man with a bald head, aged in his mid 30s to early 40s and wearing a black jacket.

Detective constable Shannon Walker, of Force CID based at Reading, said: “I am appealing to anybody who believes that they witnessed this robbery to contact police.

“I am particularly appealing to anyone who noticed a man entering the Tesco Napier road car park matching the description of the offender, or who saw the victim cycling away from Horse Show Bridge towards the hospital.

“This was a nasty attack, and it is only good fortune that thankfully, the victim’s injury, was largely superficial.”

Anybody with any information, or who believes that they witnessed the incident are urged to call the 24-hour non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 43190045692.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or make a report online.