A MAN has been arrested after a woman was assaulted and their dog was kicked in the ribs in Thatcham.

The 44-year-old was detained on suspicion of common assault and battery but has now been released on bail.

This comes following an incident on Sunday, March 20, around 6 pm when a woman in her thirties was walking her Staffordshire Bull Terrier on the canal path towards Moorside Park.

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A man approached and assaulted the victim and continued to act aggressively as they walked across the footbridge that crosses the railway track to Kennet Heath.

The man also kicked the Bull Terrier in the ribs as he confronted the woman.

Police are now appealing for witnesses as they believe a couple was walking by around the time of the incident.

PC Darren Galbraith, based at Newbury Police Station, said: “We are appealing for any witnesses that may have seen the incident to come forward.

“Please call us on 101 or make a report online, quoting reference number 43220121829 if you have any information about this incident.

“Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”.