Police have launched an investigation after a woman in her 20s was sexually assaulted by a bus stop in Reading. At around 12pm on Monday August 28, a man attempted to sit on the lap of a woman in her twenties twice without consent at the West Village Tesco bus stop on Oxford Road.

On the second attempt, they touched the victim inappropriately over her clothing, said Thames Valley Police. Jumping to defence of the woman a brave member of the public at the bus stop challenged the offender by getting in-between them and the victim. Meanwhile, a second member of the public verbally challenged them.

The offender then left the scene.

Investigating officer, PC Max Gascoine, based at Reading police station, said: “I am appealing to anybody who witnessed the sexual assault to please contact us.

“If you do have any information, you can tell us by reporting online via our website, or by calling us on 101, quoting the incident number 43250434918.

“Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its website.”

A charge has been made in connection with this sexual assault, say police.

Those who require details on this case should email: operationalcomms@thamesvalley.police.uk.