An elderly man is currently in critical condition following a violent assault near the Waitrose supermarket in Cheltenham on the evening of Wednesday, April 8.
According to Gloucestershire Police, the incident occurred around 7:30 pm on Honeybourne Way. The victim, a man in his 70s, was attacked and subsequently rushed to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, where he remains in a serious state.
Earlier that evening, two men were reportedly seen on the Millennium Bridge throwing a large branch at a cyclist below. Fortunately, the cyclist was unharmed.
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Following this, the victim confronted the two men on Honeybourne Way. During their exchange, one of the men punched the elderly man in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. The assailants then fled the scene before the police arrived.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the Honeybourne Line remains closed while forensic teams conduct their work. These closures are expected to continue for an extended period.
Authorities have released images of the two men sought in connection with the attack. The first suspect is described as a white male, aged 20-30, muscular build, bald, and wearing a black T-shirt with white writing, black shorts, black socks, and grey shoes. The second man is also white, of similar age, topless, wearing black shorts with a logo on the left leg, a grey cap, white socks, and grey trainers.
Police urge anyone who recognizes these men to contact them immediately at 101, quoting incident number 430 of April 8.