A WOMAN out walking her dogs early yesterday morning was assaulted by a man being described as Eastern European.
However, her pets protected her and attacked her attacker, preventing the incident from being worse.
Now Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses.
In a statement, they said that around 5.30am on Sunday, June 3, the woman in her forties, was walking her dogs by the trees near the junction of Baird Road and Princess Marina Drive.
When she was opposite St Eligius Church in Tope Road, she was approached from behind by a man.
Police said that the man grabbed her but the woman fought back and he was bitten by the dogs.
Both the victim and the offender then ran away. Nothing was stolen during the incident.
The victim sustained scratches to her chest during the assault.
The offender is described as white, between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins, of slim build, aged approximately 30, clean shaven and is described as being Eastern European.
He was wearing a navy or black hooded top with matching tracksuit trousers, a black woollen scarf around his neck and lower half of his face, dark coloured trainers and dark gloves.
Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Nathan Lampard, of Reading Force CID, said: “Detectives are investigating this incident and are keeping an open mind in relation to the motive. I am appealing for information from the public, specifically to any dog walkers who may recognise the description of the offender as he may have been in the area on previous occasions.
“Are you aware of anybody with unexplained dog bites? Please report any information, regardless of how insignificant you think it may be, to police.
“People in the community may notice uniformed police officers in the local area in the next few days appealing for witnesses and working to locate the offender. Anyone who has any information, or who wishes to raise anything, can approach and speak to an officer or call 101.”
If you have any information relating to this case, call 101 quoting reference ‘43180167220’, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
