A TRIO of schoolboys were robbed at knife point by masked thugs also armed with a hammer and Champagne bottle at a popular beauty spot.

Two 15-year-old boys and their 14-year-old friend were enjoying the evening sun on View Island on Friday, June 2.

They were sitting on a metal platform near the River Thames when three other boys brandishing weapons demanded they hand over their valuables.

The robbers demanded one victim hand over a metal necklace and matching bracelet before searching their bags and fleeing the scene.

One robber threw the bottle into some nearby bushes where it was found by investigators.

The robbery, which took place between 4.45pm and 7pm took place near George Street.

None of the victims were hurt.

Investigator Barbara Dudley, of Reading Local CID, said: "I would ask anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or noticed anyone around the area at the time of the offence acting suspiciously, to come forward if they have any information."

"Anyone who recognises the description of the three boys should get in touch via the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting reference number 43170160362."

The first offender is black, around 16-years-old and around 6ft tall.

He had a stocky build and his face was covered from the eyes down, with his hood up.

He was wearing a dark coloured hooded top, camouflage tracksuit bottoms and was carrying a knife.

The second offender is white, around the same age and height.

He was slim, had his face covered from the eyes down.

He was wearing a hooded top with the hood up. The hooded top had a camouflage design and he was wearing dark trousers.

He was carrying a bottle, believed to be a large green Champagne bottle.

The third offender is white, and thought to be the same age.

He is around 5ft 6ins tall.

He had a large build and covered his face with his left sleeve.

He had short brown hair, and was wearing a dark coloured windbreaker jacket with blue sleeves.

He was also wearing dark coloured trousers and was carrying a hammer in his right hand.