A MAN is still fighting for his life in hospital days after a serious assault on Oxford Road, according to a friend who contacted the Chronicle.

The 47-year-old man was last seen leaving his home just off Oxford Road around 1pm on Saturday, September 9.

After he didn’t return to work on Monday morning, friends and loved ones became concerned over his whereabouts.

Reading resident and close friend of the victim has spoken out about the horrific attack which caused ‘serious injuries’.

The close friend said: “He is a popular and very well-known resident on Oxford Road so when he wasn't seen on Facebook for a few days we started to get worried.

“He lives with his girlfriend, but he is a keen fisher and there are times when he sometimes goes out for two or three days at a time with his tent.

“When work called him on Monday and couldn’t get through, everyone started to get concerned about his whereabouts. We know now that police had his phone, however, no one was answering at that time.”

Thames Valley Police launched an investigation after officers swooped in to cordon off The White Eagle pub days after the reported assault on September 13.

The pub was cordon was lifted later that day and police launched a CCTV appeal to identify the victim who had been captured on pub security footage.

According to loved ones, police identified the victim from the fishing license which he kept at the back of his phone, inside his phone case.

Friends claim that although he left his home with his wallet, cards, and ID, police were unable to find them when he was searched upon arriving at the hospital.

After officers discovered his identity, they soon notified his girlfriend who was told that after initially being taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital he was soon transferred to John Radcliffe Hospital where he remains in ICU.

A close friend added: “Everyone is confused as to what happened that Saturday night. Although he is very well-known in the area no-one seems to know anything.

“The main feeling in the community is shock. Oxford Road is often busy 24 hours, 7 days a week so we are hoping that someone has seen something and will come forward.”

Police are still appealing for witnesses who may have seen something when the assault occurred at around 9.10pm on Saturday (9/9) in Oxford Road, Reading, near to The White Eagle pub.

A 44-year-old man from Reading has also been arrested on suspicion of GBH with intent, he has been released on bail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 reference 43230409855