Stranger Smelling of Alcohol Snatches Child at Cheltenham Bus Stop

A disturbing incident unfolded yesterday morning in Cheltenham when an unknown man approached a woman and her two young children at a bus stop on Tewkesbury Road near Gallagher Retail Park. At approximately 11:35 a.m., the man unexpectedly grabbed one of the children and ran off along the pavement carrying him.

Thankfully, the child was unharmed. The man soon returned the child and put him down. When the mother confronted him, he responded with verbal abuse before boarding a bus heading deeper into Cheltenham. The mother was left visibly shaken by the frightening encounter.

Gloucestershire Police described the suspect as a white male in his late 30s to early 40s with short brown hair. He was wearing beige shorts, a t-shirt, and brown work boots, and notably smelled strongly of alcohol.

Officers arrived on scene and immediately searched for the suspect and the bus he boarded but were unable to locate him. Following inquiries with the bus company, police have now released images of the man and are urging anyone who recognizes him or witnessed the event to come forward.

A police spokesperson said: “If you recognize this man or have any information regarding this incident, please contact Gloucestershire Police quoting incident 171 of July 3.”

This case remains under active investigation as authorities work to ensure community safety and bring clarity to the unsettling event.