Reading Train Station attack victim dies - murder investigation launched and 26-year-old man from Reading re-arrested on suspicion of murder and manslaughter
A West Berkshire man has died nearly a month after he was attacked outside Reading Train Station.
John Donovan, aged 60, was taken to hospital following the incident at around 8.45pm on July 20.
But he died on August 11 and a post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be a traumatic head injury, said Thames Valley Police.
Officers have now re-arrested a 26-year-old Reading man on suspicion of murder and manslaughter and he remains in police custody at this time.
In a statement, Mr Donovan’s family said they were devastated by his untimely death, but thanked the emergency services and staff at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford for the care they gave to him.
“He was a much loved brother, father, grandfather, uncle and brother in law,” they added.
“If any of us ever needed anything, John would always be there to help with a smile and offers of support.
“John had a huge circle of friends due to his varied interests, notwithstanding all his friends from his childhood and school days in Reading.
“We would like to take this opportunity to express our thanks to the police and ambulance staff who attended John immediately after the incident and escorted him to the John Radcliffe Hospital.
“We would also like to say a huge thank you for the excellent care that he received in the Neurosciences ICU in Oxford.
“The staff not only looked after John, they supported us as a family in the last three weeks of his life.
“We would now be very grateful as a family if we are given time to grieve for the lovely person who was John in private.”
Police 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 July 20.
They both remain on police bail until October 13.
Investigating officer DI Alice Broad, of Thames Valley Police’s 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.”
You can also make a report online at or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
