A masked man stole money from a Halifax ATM in Reading town centre as a woman was withdrawing money from it in broad daylight, police said.

Wearing a black facemask and black beanie, the 6ft white man pushed the woman, who is in her thirties, and robbed the money for the Broad Street cash machine on Thursday at around 9.45am.

He was wearing a navy jacket with the hood up. He also had on brown trousers with black patches on the front pockets and black and white coloured trainers.

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A black rucksack was hanging over one shoulder.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Thomas Wheatman based at Reading police station, said: “This incident occurred in broad daylight and we believe there will be a number of people who may have seen what happened.

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“You may not have realised at the time what you were seeing but if you were in the area at the time and witnessed this, please get in touch.

“The offender ran off along Broad Street, onto West Street and then right into Friar Street.

“If you have any information which could help us with our investigation, please get in touch by calling the non-emergency number 101 or making a report online.

“You also can make a report to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and remain 100% anonymous. “