Two teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man in his 70s, who died after sustaining a facial injury in Cheltenham.
Gloucestershire Police responded to a serious assault on Wednesday evening, April 8, at approximately 7:30 pm on Honeybourne Way, near Waitrose. CCTV footage was released as part of the ongoing investigation.
The victim approached two males, after which one of them punched him in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. The suspects fled the scene before police arrived. Emergency services transported the man to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, where he remained in critical condition until he passed away on Friday, April 10.
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Two boys, aged 16 and 17, were initially arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. Following the victim’s death, both have now been rearrested on suspicion of murder. The victim’s next of kin and the coroner have been informed.
Prior to the assault, the two suspects were reportedly seen on the Millennium Bridge, where they threw a large branch at a cyclist below; fortunately, the cyclist was not injured.
Police continue to appeal for witnesses and any additional information regarding this incident. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Gloucestershire Police online, quoting incident number 430 of April 8.