THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following an incident of grievous bodily harm involving a vehicle in Reading, which left two teenagers injured.
The incident took place just before 11.50am on Friday, June 16, when two males, aged 15 and 16, were walking along Elgar Road, Reading, when they were struck by a black Vauxhall Astra.
It is suspected the two teenagers were struck deliberately, as a passenger in the vehicle took a bike from one of the victims and put it into the boot of the car, which was slightly open as the vehicle pulled away.
The vehicle proceeded towards Berkley Avenue, with one of the victims running towards Alpine Street.
One of the victims, 16, sustained a serious leg injury which required surgery, and remains in hospital.
The second victim sustained less serious injuries.
The black Astra’s windscreen was smashed during the course of the incident and a wing mirror was broken, but despite this damage, the car has not been located.
Three people were in the vehicle, though no description of these people is available.
A 19-year-old man from Reading has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18, wounding with intent, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, failing to stop after a road accident, and driving a motor vehicle dangerously.
He has been released on police bail until 8 September.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Vanessa Bowen, based at Reading police station, said: “This incident occurred late in the morning on Friday, and we suspect the vehicle was driven deliberately at two teenage boys.
“One of the victims sustained a serious injury, which needed hospital treatment.
“I am appealing to anybody who was in the area of Elgar Road at around 11.50am on Friday to get in touch with us if they’ve witnessed the incident.
“I would also be very keen to hear from any drivers in the area, if you have dash-cam, to please check this and contact us if it has captured the incident.
“You can make a report online via our website or by calling 101, quoting reference 43230264750.
“For anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
