The Sportsman 'stabbing' Reading: Everything we know so far

Two men were rushed from the pub in Shinfield Road to hospital after 11.30pm, where they remain in a stable but serious condition.

Six men, aged 18 to 23 and all from Reading, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

A spokesperson for The Sportsman pub, which is owned by Greene King, said: “We’re fully supporting the police with an investigation following an incident on Friday evening and are offering support to our team members.

"Our thoughts are with those who are currently in hospital.”

Armed officers and police dogs were called to the incident and spotted in nearby Linden Road during the night.

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Thames Valley Police have been granted greater stop and search powers between Shinfield Road, Northumberland Avenue and Elm Lane until 5.20am tomorrow (October 30), but this could be extended.

The area covered by a Section 60 order, granting police greater stop and search powers (Image: Thames Valley Police)

The six men arrested remain in police custody, aged 18, 20, 21, 22 and two 23-year-olds.

The two men in hospital are both in their twenties.

This is not the first attack thought to have occured at The Sportsman pub.

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In December, a man was beaten up with a baseball bat during a fight. The victim suffered head injuries as a result of the incident and was taken to hospital.

A total of 30 crimes were recorded at the junction of Shinfield Road, Elm Road and Cedar Road in August, according to the latest police data available.

The majority were non-violent, with 17 counts of shoplifting and four thefts as well as anti-social or public order offences, but two violent or sexual offences were carried out.

The total accounts for 10 per cent of all crimes committed in the Whitley and Church area that month.