ROBBERS armed with a knife are being hunted by police having targeted young men in Reading on six separate occasions - in just five days.

Thames Valley Police said the first victim was a teenage boy in Oxford Road, between 3pm and 4.30pm on March 7.

The teenage boy, was walking in the area when two attackers threatened him into giving away his phone, headphones, his bag and his gloves.

The second, an attempted robbery, took place next to Broad Street Mall at about 7.45pm on March 10, when the victim, an 18-year-old man, was followed by the three robbers.

Police said when they threatened him, trying to snatch his belongings from his pocket, but the victim managed to escape without losing anything.

The third attack, also by the Broad Street Mall, happened at about 11.30pm on the same day, when the three offenders approached another teenage boy and demanded he handed over his phone, threatening him and flashing a knife to him.

ALSO READ: Reading woman pays tribute to "loving sister" whose body was found near River Thames

The fourth robbery happened the next day on Friar Street when another teenage male victim was approached by one of the attackers asking if he had any money.

He continued walking, however he was asked again by a different member of the group of four. A threat was made and the robbers stole his cash and his headphones.

Police said the fifth incident happened on March 11 at about 12.50am on Broad Street, when a 21-year-old man was walking, the attackers told him to keep on walking.

They spoke among themselves briefly until threatening the victim and led him to believe they had a weapon, however the victim managed to get away.

The most recent attack, taking place on the same day at 1.20pm on Oxford Road, involved a teenage boy being approached by the attackers, demanding valuables and money.

They held the victim down and pushed him against a wall, making reference to a knife. He was then taken to a cash point to withdraw money, but it was unsuccessful.

His bank card, his phone and his headphones were then stolen.

ALSO READ: Broad Street Mall has no plans to close amid coronavirus outbreak, despite local reports

Investigating officer detective sergeant Millie Tanner of Area CID in Reading, said: “We would like to identify the people in this CCTV image as they may have vital information to help with this investigation.

“A thorough investigation has started following these incidents which at this time are being linked.

“We understand this could be concerning for the community and we would ask anyone with information to get in touch.

“We also encourage you to stay safe, be aware of your surroundings and try to keep any valuables hidden.

“If you think you saw any of these incidents or you think you know who the people in this picture are, please call the non-emergency number on 101 or make a report online quoting the reference 43200078449.

“If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”