THAMES Valley Police have confirmed that they received a report of an assault with injury to a young person in Wokingham.
The girl, 14, was walking to school at around 8.30am on the morning of Friday, December 6, when she was struck with an umbrella by a stranger.
The girl’s family shared her experience via social media to alert others to the danger and to try to prevent another child from being struck.
They explained that the incident had happened on the Easthampstead Road, not far from Peach Street, and that as the student passed the man he suddenly struck her forcefully on the calf, making her bleed.
Shocked, and upset, she ran into the town centre, and into a shop to escape her assailant, who had followed her.
The girl’s family thanked supportive staff at Wokingham charity shop Helen and Douglas House, who had given her a safe space.
They extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who had assisted the girl during her ordeal, and said that the support meant the world to them.
In the days following the assault, Thames Valley Police said that Carl Anthony Diskin, 50, of no fixed abode, has been charged with assault by beating, and assault of a person causing actual bodily harm.
They confirmed he has been remanded in custody.
