Police hunt man who grabbed woman's arm in Cheltenham

Police are appealing for information after a report that a man grabbed a woman's arm as she was walking in Cheltenham yesterday morning (Thursday 10 October)

The incident happened at around 9am close to the Arle Court Park and Ride, heading towards Hatherley Lane.

It was reported that an unknown man had forcefully taken the arm of a woman and tried to pull her in a different direction.

She challenged the man before being able to break free of his grasp and running away while calling for help. She was uninjured but left shaken by the incident.

Following an extensive search of the area, along with CCTV and house-to-house enquiries, officers are now asking for anyone with information to come forward.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who has dashcam footage of the area at the time.

The man, who appeared to be in his 40s, was described as being white, 5ft 6in in height, and of a slight build. He had short dark hair and was clean shaven.

He was wearing dark tracksuit bottoms, a hooded top covered by a dark coat, and black Nike trainers.

Officers will be carrying out additional patrols of the area over the coming days.

Inspector Steve Benbow from the Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "This was a terrifying incident that has left the victim incredibly shaken.

"We are doing all we can to identify the suspect and would appeal for anyone with any information, no matter how small, to speak to us."

You can contact Gloucestershire Constabulary through the form on the website, quoting incident 84 of 10 October: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/a-crime-that-has-already-been-reported/