A WOULD-BE robber was scared off by a dog after attempting to steal a woman's phone as she walked in Tilehurst.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place last Monday (June 15) at around 6.15pm.

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The victim, a woman in her twenties, had been walking her dog in the wooded area off Starlings Drive close to Magpie Way, Tilehurst, when the offender approached her.

The offender demanded her phone, but after requesting it aggressively twice and then raising his arm, the victim’s dog started barking, scaring the offender away.

The offender is described as a white man in his forties, of slim build, tall, and with grey and brown stubble.

He was wearing a grey tracksuit with his hood pulled up.

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Designated investigator, Jayne Rogers, based at Newbury police station, said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim and I am appealing to anyone who has any information about this incident to come forward.

“Please contact us by calling 101 or by using our online form quoting the reference 43200179152.

“Alternatively, if you wish to remain 100 per cent anonymous you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”