A CYCLIST is in hospital after being hit on the head with a hammer.

Police said the victim, a man in his thirties, was riding his bike on Zinzan Street, Reading, when he stopped at the junction with Baker Street on Monday (December 16).

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It was around 11pm when he slowed down and got off his bike.

Officers said he was approached by a man in a white hooded tracksuit top and matching trousers, who then hit the victim in the back of the head with a blunt object, believed to be a hammer.

The hooded thug fled by jumping into what is believed to have been a white transit van and leaving via Baker Street, then left up Jesse Terrace towards Castle Hill.

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Police have said the victim is in hospital with serious head injuries.

The force described the attacker as a white man with a Birmingham accent, approximately 5ft 7ins tall and aged in his late thirties, wearing a white tracksuit top with the hood up and matching tracksuit bottoms.

The tracksuit also had red stripes on the arms, legs and around the hood.

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Investigating officer, Detective Constable Rachel Belsher, based at Reading police station, said: "I am appealing for witnesses following this incident that has left the victim with serious head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

"I would also urge any drivers in the local area around the time of the incident to check dash-cam footage in case it may have captured something that could assist with the investigation.

"Anyone with information can contact police on 101, or make a report online, quoting reference '43190392764'.

"Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."