A 16-year-old arrested on suspicion of assault was helped to escape from police custody by a friend, prompting a manhunt in Grove last night, police have said.

Ppolice were called to reports that two 16-year-olds had been assaulted in Millbrook Square at 7pm.

Thames Valley Police said it was told one had been punched and kicked in the head but the other victim was not injured.

Spokeswoman Hannah Jones said two teenagers were arrested, then one was "assisted to escape lawful custody, which is a serious offence".

The police helicopter was deployed and one Grove resident said it used a searchlight around the village and surrounding fields for several hours.

Eventually, the youth was apprehended and arrested, and is still in custody this afternoon. The other 16-year-old arrested has been released on bail until October 25.

Mrs Jones said neither had yet been charged.

She appealed for anyone with any video footage of the incident to call police on 101.