Appeal for witnesses to suspected sexual assaults in Cheltenham

Police are appealing for witnesses following two suspected incidents of sexual assault in Cheltenham last Tuesday (21 July).

The offences took place between 1.10pm and 1.45pm and officers believe they may be linked.

In both incidents, a man of a similar description has approached young girls both aged 16.

In the first incident, the girl reported she was approached by the man in Caernarvon Road at around 1.10pm. He made inappropriate comments before he grabbed her by the waist, causing her to scream.

Then in Hatherley Road, between 1.30pm and 1.45pm, a man grabbed a young girl’s bottom. When she shouted at him, he blew kisses at her.

In both incidents, the man is described as being black, 5ft 11in, of average build. He has a short afro haircut, is clean shaven and is believed to be around 16 or 17 years old. He was riding a blue bicycle.

Since the incidents, additional patrols have been taking place in the area.

If you witnessed either incident or have any information, contact police on 101, quoting incident 300 of 21 July for Caernarvon Road or incident 114 of 25 July for Hatherley Road.

Alternatively, the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.