Police to take no further action against teenage boy in connection with man's death in Cheltenham

A teenage boy who had been arrested on suspicion of murder has been released with no further action being taken against him following enquiries by police.

The 16-year-old was one of two teenagers arrested last week in connection with the death of a 73-year-old man in Cheltenham.

It followed a report of a serious assault which took place on Honeybourne Way at around 7.30pm on Wednesday 8 April.

A 17-year-old boy also arrested on suspicion of murder remains on police bail while enquiries continue.

Due to the arrests and proceedings being active, we would like to remind people not to share CCTV images or speculate about the incident, as this could impact on future proceedings and could lead to court action.

The victim's death is now being investigated by the Major Crime Investigation Team.

It had been reported that two males had been on the Millennium Bridge and had thrown a large branch at a cyclist who was travelling on the road below. It is not believed the cyclist was injured.

The males then left the bridge and were approached by a man aged in his 70s on Honeybourne Way. It is reported an exchange took place between them before one of the males punched the victim in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. 

The males then left before officers arrived at the location.

Emergency services attended and the victim was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. He had been in a critical condition and died in hospital last Friday (10 April). His next of kin and the coroner have been informed.

Following police enquiries at the scene and a review of CCTV, images of two males were released to the public in a bid to identify them.

Investigating officers are still appealing for further information and witnesses to what took place to come forward and contact police.

Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 430 of 8 April: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

Did you know you can report information anonymously through the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers? More information can be found here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously