Two teenagers bailed in connection with death of man in Cheltenham

Two teenage boys arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on bail.

It follows a report of a serious assault in Cheltenham on Wednesday night (8 April).

Police made the two arrests in the town after a 73-year-old man was assaulted on Honeybourne Way at around 7.30pm that evening.

The victim has since died and the two boys, aged 17 and 16, were rearrested on suspicion of murder.

They have now been released on bail while further enquiries continue.

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 suspects 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 yesterday (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 the suspects were released to the public in a bid to identify them.

Investigating officers have thanked all those who have provided information so far.

They 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