A 16-year-old girl was reportedly strangled by a stranger while walking along a cycle path in Coleford, Forest of Dean. The incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, 31 May, near the Texaco garage on Old Station Way.
The teenager was walking with a friend when they passed two men engaged in an argument. Attempting to intervene and calm the situation, the girl was suddenly attacked by one of the men, who placed his hands around her neck, causing her to lose consciousness.
Fortunately, a passerby stopped to assist her. After regaining consciousness, the girl was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital as a precaution. Although she sustained no serious physical injuries, the ordeal left her deeply distressed.
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Gloucestershire Police are now investigating and are eager to speak with the two men involved. The first is described as a white male aged between 16 and 18 years, approximately 5ft 9ins to 6ft tall, with tanned skin and blond hair, wearing a green tracksuit. The second is also white, aged 17 to 20 years, similar in height, with brown hair shaved at the bottom and longer on top, sporting facial stubble and dressed entirely in black, including cargo trousers.
Authorities are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or was in the vicinity of the local golf course and football pitch between 7pm and 8.30pm that evening to come forward. Police are particularly keen to identify the member of the public who provided immediate assistance to the girl.
Extensive inquiries, including forensic examinations, house-to-house visits, and CCTV reviews, have been conducted. Police also encourage anyone with dashcam, mobile phone, or doorbell footage relevant to the case to report it online, quoting incident 13 of 1 June.
This distressing attack has prompted a heightened police presence in the area as officers work to bring those responsible to justice.