MINSTER VENUE FOR RADIO SHOW

DEBATE POINT: Tan Dhesi looks on as Nigel Farage speaks Picture: Phil Creighton PROTEST: Steve Bray joined members of Berkshire For Europe protesting Nigel Farage’s place on the Any Questions? panel Picture: Berkshire For Europe

Knife crime flagged up on Any Questions?

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

THE BISHOP of Reading’s support for a clampdown on knife crime received national attention on Friday night, thanks to the BBC Radio Four show Any Questions.

The Rt Revd Olivia Graham wasn’t present for the recording of the popular weekly political debate, but Caversham Park lay preacher Robert Dimmick asked the panel – three current MPs and a talk show host – for their views on how the issue can be tackled.

It comes days after Bishop Olivia presided over a memorial service for Olly Stephens, an Emmer Green teenager who was fatally stabbed a year ago.

The debate was held at Reading Minster Church in St Mary’s Butts and broadcast to the nation live.

Taking part were Conservative minster for crime and policing Kit Malthouse, SNP MP Joanna Cherry, Slough-based Labour MP Tan Dhesi, and seven-time failed parliamentary candidate Nigel Farage.

They answered questions from the audience on a range of topical issues, including covid, the Coulston statue and knife crime, to an audience of around 100 people. The debate was chaired by Chris Mason, who praised the team at the Minster for offering a beautiful venue for the show to use.

However, the debate in the church was tempered by a debate outside it.

Mr Farage, a controversial figure who campaigned for Britain to leave the European Union and also served as an MEP, was met by members of Berkshire in Europe who picketed the entrances to the Minster church.

The protesters included Steve Bray, who has led anti-Brexit protests outside Westminster for several years.

During the broadcast, they played music and protested loudly outside the building, and several times during the show, Mr Mason apologised to viewers for the noises they could hear. PROTEST: Members of Berkshire For Europe outside the Minster Church

SERMON: A Radio Berkshire DJ spoke to the audience before the recording SOUNDING OUT: Protesters try to drown out Nigel Farage’s words

GUEST: SNP MP Joanna Cherry

MINISTER: Conservative MP Kit Malthouse

Elderly woman assaulted by man in carers’ uniform

A MAN wearing a carers’ uniform sexually assaulted an elderly woman in Earley last week.

Police are appealing for help in trying to trace the offender.

The incident took place at a home close to Meadow Park around 6pm on Wednesday, January 5.

The offender is a white man, thought to be around 40, with a medium build and around 5ft 8ins tall.

He was wearing thick black rimmed glasses, a navy blue carers’ top and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including a mask, gloves and a disposable apron.

Detective Inspector John Wordsworth, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “This is a concerning incident, in which a man described as wearing a carers’ uniform and PPE has sexually assaulted a woman.

“We have not received any similar reports before or after this offence, therefore I believe this is an isolated incident.”

He continued: “I would appeal to anyone who was in the area and believes they saw a man matching the description of the offender on Wednesday evening to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police.

“I would be particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have doorbell, dash-cam, CCTV or mobile phone footage in the roads around the Meadow Park, specifically in Roman Way and Meadow Road to contact the police.

“If members of the public could check any footage between about 5.45pm and 6.45pm on Wednesday and contact the force if you have footage of a man matching the description of the offender.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference 43220005976.

Reports can also be made online.

Anonymous reports can be made to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting Crimestoppers online.