A FRIGHTENED teenager was knocked to the ground and had her handbag stolen in a shocking daylight robbery.

The 16-year-old was waiting at a bus stop on London Road, near the junction with Regent Street, when a man approached.

Her attacker stood in front of her and glanced over the bus timetable when he suddenly barged into her, knocking her off her seat.

The startled youngster hit her head on part of the shelter as she fell and the man stole her handbag, which contained cash and a bank card.

The victim then chased the man along Regent Street and Chomleley Terrace, where it is believed he then garden hopped through properties on Amity Road.

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened just before 4pm on Tuesday, December 5, should contact Thames Valley Police immediately.

Investigating officer police constable Amy Ward, of Reading iHub, said: “This was an unprovoked attack on a young person who was on her own. It took place in a busy area mid-afternoon and although it would have started to get dark, someone must have seen this incident.

“This offending behaviour is completely unacceptable and we would request the public’s help in tracing the offender.

"Were you in London Road, Cholmeley Terrace, Regent Street or Amity Road on Tuesday 5 December around 3.50pm? Anyone who has any information is asked to call 101 quoting 43170362053.”