Woman raped in town centre

Police are hunting a rapist who attacked a woman in Reading over the weekend.

The 35-year-old victim was in Station Road on Saturday night when she was approached by three men.

The offender then began chatting to her but she made it clear she was not interested and walked off.

The man followed her and raped her in an alleyway next to Zorba's Cafe.

'Horrific incident'

The woman eventually managed to struggle free and staff from the cafe who heard the commotion came to her aid.

The offender, who was white, aged 18 to 25 and about 5 ft 10 in, ran off towards Garrard Street.

Detective Inspector Mark Jones, who is heading the investigation, said: "This was a horrific incident which happened in a public place when there would have been lots of people out in the town.

"A number of people have already come forward and have been spoken to by detectives, but we believe there are others who may also have information which can help with this investigation.

"I am particularly keen to speak to the two men who were seen with the offender before the attack.

"There is a chance they did not know what was about to happen and we need to speak to them as soon as possible," he said.