Murder investigation launched after 13-year-old boy stabbed in Reading

A murder investigation has been launched after a 13-year-old boy was stabbed to death in Reading.

Police were called just before 4pm on Sunday following reports of a stabbing in Bugs Bottom fields, Emmer Green.

The boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

Thames Valley Police said that the boy’s next of kin have been informed but no formal identification has taken place.

No arrests have been made.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Kevin Brown, head of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, 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.

“There will be a very considerable police presence in the area of St Barnabus Road and Gravel Hill for a number of days, and we have a very large scene-watch in place.

“I would appeal to anybody who was in Gravel Hill this afternoon and believes that they witnessed anything that could help this investigation to please make contact with police if you have not already done so.”

Anyone with information about the incident can call the 24-hour number 101, quoting incident reference 1069 of January 3.