Murder investigation launched after a suspected stabbing in Cheltenham

A murder investigation has been launched after a suspected stabbing in Cheltenham earlier today, Tuesday 16 December.

Police were called at around 2.45pm with a report that someone had been injured.

This is understood to have taken place in an alleyway between Albert Road and Hungerford Street in the St Paul's area. 

Emergency services, including an air ambulance, attended and despite the best efforts of those at the scene, a man aged in his 40s was pronounced dead.

The next of kin and the coroner have been informed. 

Officers, including armed response, went to the scene and searched the area. Two teenagers and a man were arrested and remain in police custody.

The Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) is in the early stages of an investigation, and there will continue to be a police presence in the area throughout the evening while enquiries take place at the scene.

Superintendent James Glansfield said: "We understand that the nature of this incident will cause shock to the community, particularly given the age of those arrested.

"A thorough investigation is now underway by MCIT after officers quickly arrested three individuals.

"A cordon remains in place while forensic officers examine the scene. There will be an increased presence of police officers in the area and we would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to them.

"The victim's family are being supported by specialist officers and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time."

Anyone with information about what happened is asked to call police on 101 and quote incident 241 of 16 December.

You can also provide information to police online by completing the following form and quoting the same incident number: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ 

You can also provide information to independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or online: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/