A 51-year-old man is fighting for his life in hospital after a serious incident in Lower Earley.

Police are investigating the attack, which took place outside the BP petrol station in Chalfont Way at around 7.40pm yesterday (Wednesday), with a large scene-watch in place there.

The Chalfont Square shopping precinct was closed and will remain closed this morning , with Thames Valley Police saying there is highly likely to be “considerable disruption” to traffic in the area while the investigation continues.

The man has been taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, where he is in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries.

No-one has been arrested yet.

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Detective Sergeant Alex Boyce, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “I am really keen to hear from anybody who may have been driving in the area and has dash-cam to please check this and contact us if it has captured anything that can assist the investigation.

“This investigation is in its early stages, and our scene-watch will be in place for a considerable period of time while this continues.

“The main road and the access to Asda remains unrestricted.

“I would like to re-assure the local community, however, we believe this to be an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the local community.”

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Anyone with information has been urged to contact police on 101 quoting reference 43210136391, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.