Appeal after teenage boys sexually harass woman in Cheltenham

Police are appealing for information after a group of teenage boys sexually harassed a woman in Cheltenham.

Officers received a report that the group of between eight and ten boys, had followed the woman as she walked down Winchcombe Street at around 7.50pm last Thursday (28 May).

The boys, who were believed to be aged between 16 and 18, made sexually explicit comments to the woman, including insinuating that they would rape her.

The woman was physically unharmed, however she was left badly shaken by the incident.

The boys stopped following her as she turned into Albion Street, but continued to call after her.

Police are now looking to identify the boys and are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward. 

The boys are described as being white, around 5ft 8ins in height and with brown hair. They were all wearing tracksuits and some of them were riding bikes.  

Officers are appealing to businesses in the area who may have CCTV covering Winchcombe Street or the surrounding area at the time of the incident to check their footage.

They would also like to speak to any other women who may have been targeted by the boys.

Following the incident, officers will now be patrolling the area during the early evening in order to reassure the public.

Anybody with any concerns is encouraged to speak directly to officers.

If you have any information about the incident, you can contact Gloucestershire Police through the website quoting occurrence 53260040646: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ 

Alternatively you can call 101, quoting the same occurrence number, or anonymously through independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.