Gloucestershire Police have released two teenage boys, aged 16 and 17, on bail after initially detaining them on suspicion of murder following the death of a 73-year-old man in Cheltenham. The elderly victim had been critically injured in an assault on April 8 and later died in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
The incident began at approximately 7:30 pm on the evening of April 8, when the two teenagers were reportedly seen throwing a large branch at a cyclist from the Millennium Bridge. While the cyclist was unharmed, the suspects then encountered the pensioner on Honeybourne Way. An exchange took place before one of the teenagers punched the man, causing him to fall and sustain severe injuries.
Emergency services responded quickly, and the victim was hospitalised in critical condition but sadly passed away on April 10. His next of kin and the coroner have been informed.
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Following the victim’s death, the police rearrested the boys on suspicion of murder. However, as investigations continue, they have now been released on bail.
A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police expressed gratitude to the public for the information provided so far and urged further witnesses or anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. Investigators have reviewed CCTV footage and issued images to aid in identifying those involved.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Gloucestershire Police online quoting incident 430 of April 8.