FOUR men have been arrested over threats to kill a man and an attempted stabbing.

Thames Valley Police said the attack happened on Wednesday at 2pm along the Oxford Road.

The force said the victim, aged in his thirties, was approached by a group of men who made the threats to kill before trying to stab him.

It was thanks to a member of the public, who was driving passed and parked between the men and the victim, that the attack was halted.

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Officers said the men got into a grey VW Golf and drove away from where it happened at the junction of Lorne Street and Argyle Street.

A 34-year-old man from Reading has since been arrested on suspicion of threats to kill.

A 27-year-old man from Reading was also arrested on suspicion of threats to kill, and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

A 24-year-old man from Reading has been arrested on suspicion of threats to kill, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and affray.

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A 29-year-old man from Reading was arrested on suspicion of threats to kill, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and driving a motor vehicle above the specified alcohol limit.

All four men have been bailed until 3 June.

Thames Valley Police said the victim had bruising to the face but did not require hospital treatment.

Investigating officer PC Graham Ammundsen, based at Reading police station, said: “I am appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or who has any information to please come forward.

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“I believe a number of members of the public intervened in this incident and I would also appeal to them to get in touch.

“Anyone with information can contact police by making a report online, quoting reference 43200134052.

“If you do not have access to the internet, please call 101.

“Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, please call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”