A man sexually assaulted a 49-year-old woman with a knife in his hand near Reading Station, according to police.

The man was walking with the woman, whom he knew, close to the River Thames on Monday, September 19 when he became abusive, made threats and assaulted her, Thames Valley Police said.

Another man and a woman witnessed the incident and the woman gave the victim her name and some contact details, but the victim is unable to remember these details.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for the witnesses, which they described as a white man and a black woman, to come forward.

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A 49-year-old man from Reading has been arrested in connection with the investigation and released on bail until October 24.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Vicky Thomas, of the Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit, based at Reading police station, said: “I would like to appeal to the woman who spoke to the victim, or to the man who was with her, to come forward as you could have information which is key to our investigation.

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“This was a serious offence and we are investigating thoroughly, but we need as much information as possible, which is why it’s so important that we hear from these witnesses.

“If you saw this offence, or you think that you could be the witness we’re looking for, please call us on 101, quoting reference number 43220425096.”