Teenager robbed in Cheltenham churchyard

Police are appealing for information after a teenager was robbed in Cheltenham town centre last night, Thursday 15 December.

The incident happened in St Mary's Church Yard at around 7pm.

A teenage boy walked into the churchyard from Clarence Street when he was attacked by a group of young men.

He was punched in the face and knocked to the floor, where the group then proceeded to kick and punch him.

It was reported that one of the group hit him with a large wooden stick while another was in possession of a bladed item, although the victim was not stabbed.

The victim's pockets were searched and the group took money and a bank card before they ran off in the direction of Clarence Street. He was left with a broken nose and various cuts to his face which needed hospital treatment.

Officers believe there were a number of people in the churchyard at the time of the assault. They are appealing for anyone who witnessed what happened, or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time, to come forward.

Anybody with information should contact Gloucestershire Constabulary through the website, quoting incident 459 of 15 December: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/a-crime-that-has-already-been-reported/ 

Information can also be reported anonymously through the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers. Call 0800 555 111 or report information online: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously