Five youngsters have been arrested after a 13-year-old boy died in Reading.

Four boys and one girl, all aged between 13 and 14 and from Berkshire, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and are in police custody.

It comes after police officers were called out to an incident yesterday (Sunday) in Bugs Bottom fields, near to St Barnabas Road and Gravel Hill, Emmer Green, just before 4pm, in which a boy died.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Kevin Brown, head of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “This remains a very active investigation and a large scene-watch remains in place.

“We have arrested five young people in connection with this tragic incident, but I would urge anybody who has any information surrounding what happened yesterday to please make contact with Thames Valley Police.”

Call 101 quoting reference 1069 of 3 January, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also make a report online at www.thamesvalley.police.uk.