A VICTIM was confronted by a man who tried to steal his bicycle before stabbing him in the arm.

The victim, a man in his 20s, was attacked at around 11.55pm on October 23 on Chestnut Walk after confronting the would-be thief.

The man asked the attacker what he was doing before he knifed him and ran away towards the town centre.

He then turned back and made off in the direction of the Abbey Ruins.

The victim was treated at Royal Berkshire Hospital, but has since been discharged.

The offender is described as white, 18 or 19 years old, around 5ft 4ins tall of slim build with dark coloured hair.

He was wearing dark clothing and a hooded jacket.

Detective constable Becky Clough, of force CID based at Reading police station said: “We are releasing an E-Fit of the offender who stabbed a man in Reading.

“If you recognise him or have information regarding this assault, we would ask you to come forward.”

If you have any information, please call 101 or go online quoting the reference 43180324462.

Alternatively, you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111