Update on assault - Reading

Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit has launched a homicide investigation following the death of the victim of an assault in Reading.

John Donovan, aged 60, from West Berkshire, was assaulted outside Reading train station at about 8.45pm on 20 July.

John was taken to hospital where he sadly died on 11 August.

A post-mortem examination found John’s cause of death to be a traumatic head injury.

His next of kin are aware and specially trained officers are supporting them.

Officers arrested a 26-year-old man from Reading on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm (GBH) on 21 July.

He has been re-arrested on suspicion of murder and manslaughter and remains in police custody.

Officers also arrested a 39-year-old man from Slough on suspicion of Section 18 – GBH with intent and a 20-year-old woman from Reading on suspicion of inflicting GBH on 20 July. They both remain on police bail until 13 October.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Alice Broad, of the Major Crime Unit, said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with John Donovan’s family at this extremely difficult time. We have been supporting them ever since the incident on 20 July and continue to do so.

“Following John’s death, we are now investigating a homicide instead of an assault, and his cause of death has been established.

“We have re-arrested a man on suspicion of murder and manslaughter and he remains in our custody at this time.

“Another man and a woman remain on police bail having been previously arrested in connection with the incident.

“If you have any information or footage which you think could help our investigation, please call us on 101, quoting reference number 43240345971.

“Alternatively, you can make a report online, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

JD

Note to editors:

John's family have released a tribute.