Appeal for witnesses after homeowners were injured during aggravated burglary in Cheltenham

A man and woman were injured during an aggravated burglary at a house in Cheltenham over the weekend and officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

It was reported that two unknown men had forced entry to a property on Pilgrove Way in Springbank at around 3.25am yesterday morning (Sunday 16 July).

The homeowners reported hearing a window smash before the men shouted "Where's the money?" and sprayed them in the face and body with what is believed to have been an incapacitant spray.

The offenders then made off with a black leather handbag which has a gold buckle opening.

The men were described as wearing dark coloured clothing and had balaclavas on their faces.

Officers investigating the incident would like to hear from anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area. They are also keen to hear from anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from the time.

The Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team will be conducting reassurance patrols in the area over the coming days.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Annabel Brittain said: “This is an extremely concerning incident which caused great distress to the victims.

“Such offences are, thankfully, extremely rare, but it’s totally unacceptable for anyone to be disturbed and attacked in their home in this manner.

“Fortunately the family involved are not suffering permanent physical injury, but we need to identify the offenders before anyone else is put at risk.

“I appeal to anyone who has any information about who was involved to contact us as soon as possible, or Crimestoppers which could lead to a reward.”

Information can be submitted online by completing the following form and quoting incident 67 of 16 July: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

Alternatively you can email Detective Constable Brittain on [email protected]

Did you know you can report information anonymously through the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers? Reporting is completely anonymous and you may be eligible for a reward of up to £1000. You can call 0800 555 111 or report information online. More information can be found here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously