Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses following a daylight robbery involving a false police vehicle in Reading.

On Monday, July 15, around 3:10 pm, a man in his forties was flagged down by a black Mitsubishi Outlander portraying blue lights on Sidmouth Street.

The man was targeted by three criminals dressed in bogus police attire, who threatened him with an incapacitant spray before making off with £40,000 worth of foreign currency.

Two London residents, aged 23 and 18, have subsequently been taken into custody on suspicion of offences including robbery, dangerous driving and impersonation of a police officer.

However, two other persons involved in the incident, including the driver of the Mitsubishi, remain at large.

The Mitsubishi bore a partial number plate 'CK68' and later changed plates bearing 'LX18'. One of the suspects was dressed all in black with a face-covering, but no further description has been provided.

Thankfully, the victim involved in this ordeal did not sustain any injuries.

However, Detective Constable Jen Cox, of the Reading Priority Crime Team, has appealed to the public saying, "This was a frightening ordeal for the victim, who pulled over for what he presumed to be police officers, before being robbed.

"Thankfully, he was not injured as a result of the incident and two arrests have been made".

"I am appealing to anybody who was driving in the area of Sidmouth Street or nearby roads between 3pm and 3.20pm on Monday to please check your dash-cams and contact Thames Valley Police if it has captured the incident."

She continued, "I would also urge any other witnesses to this incident or anybody who may have CCTV footage to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police by making a report online or by calling 101, quoting reference 43240336177.

"For 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."