Police officers were on patrol in the town when they saw a man in his 50s on the floor in Micklefield Road at the junction with Hicks Farm Rise at around 12.20am.

Thames Valley Police said he was surrounded by a group of men who fled the scene when officers arrived.

Officers found the man was not breathing and started CPR. Ambulance crews arrived a few minutes later and continued CPR, but sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin has been informed.

TVP said the victim’s identity and his cause of death have not yet been confirmed.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody.

A large cordon is currently in place at the scene where the victim was found and Micklefield Road, Hicks Farm Rise and a service road are currently closed.

Forensics have been spotted at the scene and a tent is also up outside the Jet petrol station.

All photos by Peter Manning

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Ailsa Kent said: “Thames Valley Police has launched a murder investigation after the victim, a man in his fifties died in Micklefield Road at the junction with Hicks Farm Rise in the early hours of this morning.

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this extremely difficult time. The family is being supported by Family Liaison Officers.

“When the police officers discovered the victim, he was surrounded by a group of males, who fled the scene when the officers approached in their police vehicle with its blue lights illuminated.

“We would urge any of the males who were at the scene to contact the police as soon as possible, as they may have vital information that can assist our investigation.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area of Micklefield Road and Hicks Farm Rise in the early hours of this morning, who saw or heard anything to come forward.

A cordon is in place at the bottom of Hicks Farm Rise

“If you have any footage, whether dash-cam, CCTV, mobile phone or doorbell camera, please retain this footage and contact the police.”

He added: “We apologise to residents for any inconvenience [the road closures] may cause, but the area has been closed in order for us to carrying out vital examinations and enquiries.

“I appreciate that the news of this murder will shock the community, but please be reassured that Thames Valley Police is conducting a thorough investigation to establish what happened.

“Anyone with any concerns can speak to our officers at the scene.

“I thank the public for their understanding and support while we carry our investigation.”

You can call 101 or make a report online at thamesvalley.police.uk quoting reference 59 (31/7), or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.