A POST MORTEM has revealed that a man who died in Reading’s town centre on Friday night suffered blunt force trauma to the head.
An 18-year-old from Crowthorne was arrested and has been released on police bail until Friday, May 10.
The incident happened around 11.30pm in Friar Street, close to the Matchbox nightclub.
Thames Valley Police said that its officers were responding to reports of an altercation between two men: a 48-year-old man had been punched, and then fell to the floor, hitting his head.
He was taken to hospital for treatment but sadly died after arriving.
The post mortem took place on Sunday, April 14, and concluded that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.
Police added that formal identification of the man has not yet taken place.
In a statement yesterday, Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Sally Spencer, of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “This incident was initially investigated as a murder investigation, however having now conducted a number of enquiries this case has now been classified as a manslaughter investigation.
“I understand that this incident will cause concern to local residents, but I want to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident between two people who were known to each other.
“I want to take this opportunity to appeal to any witnesses or anyone with information to please come forward. The town was busy on Friday night so I am sure there are some people who are witnesses but were perhaps unaware of the seriousness of the situation.
“The easiest way to leave information is by visiting our website https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ or calling 101, quoiting reference number 1717 (12/4).
“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or make a report online.”
