Murder investigation after boy, 13, stabbed to death in Reading
The boy died of his injuries at the scene and no arrests have yet been made.
Monday 4 January 2021 05:14, UK
A murder investigation has been launched after a 13-year-old boy was stabbed to death.
Police were called to reports of a stabbing in Bugs Bottom fields in the Emmer Green area of Reading at around 3.50pm on Sunday.
The boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
Thames Valley Police said his next of kin have been informed but formal identification is yet to take place.
No arrests have been made.
Detective Superintendent Kevin Brown said: "This is a fast-moving and dynamic investigation, which is ongoing.
"We are in the very early stages of this investigation, but we believe that the victim was attacked by two or three males, who made off after the incident in the direction of Hunters Chase."
The officer said the area is "used extensively by dog walkers" and he believed there will have been witnesses "to this dreadful incident who may have seen the offenders leaving the area quickly".
"Similarly, many families walk in the area, and so if anybody has taken photographs within the area around that time to please check these and contact us if you have picked up anything suspicious," he added.
Police say they are also keen to speak with anyone with CCTV footage in the area who may provide more information about the incident.
Superintendent Nick John added: "This is a shocking incident, and I would like to reassure the community that we are working tirelessly to locate the offenders and bring them into custody.
"Naturally, this incident will cause huge concern in the local community, and I fully understand those concerns.
"I would like to reassure the community that we are leaving no stone unturned in this investigation and we have deployed a large number of police officers and staff to the area."
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police