VITAL CCTV evidence from the scene of a violent sex attack may have been lost during Storm Ciara, it is feared.

Philip Kemsley lives in Riverside Park, Scours Lane, Tilehurst, where a woman in her late teens was threatened with a knife and forced to take an unknown pill by a man who then sexually assaulted her yesterday morning (Sunday, February 9).

READ ALSO: Tilehurst attempted rape: Police hunt suspect as investigations continue.

Mr Kemsley, who also owns the boat yard there, explained police asked him if they could look at his CCTV footage but due to a power cut, no recordings had been saved.

This footage could have provided vital evidence of the sexual attack.

It is unknown why the power was cut but with strong winds in the area due to Storm Ciara it's feared the extreme weather caused it.

Mr Kemsley explained he wasn't aware of the attack until a friend told him and explained "this isn't a high crime area".

He added: "Generally the only trouble we have here is people smoking cannabis.

"We don't have this."

He continued: "The fact she fought him off was pretty good."

The attacker, believed to be in his 30s, also tried to rape the victim before dragging her into the River Thames.

READ ALSO: Tilehurst attempted rape sees woman dragged into the River Thames held at knifepoint.

The victim fought back and the man fled the scene.

Police are hunting for the suspect who is described as a white man, around 5ft 9ins tall.

He was wearing a black North Face puffa jacket with the hood up, grey tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

He was described as having a gap in his teeth and a gold tooth on the left side of his mouth and spoke with a local accent.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Rich Jarvis, of Reading CID, said: “This was a shocking incident in which the victim was violently threatened, then sexually assaulted, before being dragged into the river.

“I believe the offender may also have ended up in the river as the victim fought him off.

“I am appealing to anybody who has any information, or who believes that they witnessed this incident, to please call 101, quoting URN 314 (9/2).

“Incidents such as this are rare, but I appreciate the concern this will cause in the local community."

He continued: “Anyone who has any concerns, or believe that they can help with this investigation, can talk to any officer at the scene.

“You can also make a report online, or for 100% anonymity, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“This distressing attack has left the victim very shaken, but although currently in hospital, she has not sustained any serious injuries.

“I would also re-iterate that anyone with any information, or who believes they recognise the description given of the offender, should contact police.”