Two teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of murder following reports that a branch was hurled from the Millennium Bridge in Cheltenham.
Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed that officers were dispatched to reports of an incident involving three males at approximately 7.30pm on Wednesday. It is alleged that two males threw a large branch from the Millennium Bridge at a cyclist travelling on the road below – though the cyclist is not thought to have sustained any injuries, reports The Mirror.
Police say the males subsequently left the bridge and were confronted by a man in his 70s on Honeybourne Way. It is alleged that one of the males struck the man in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. The man later died from his injuries.
Two boys, aged 17 and 16, were initially arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. The pair have since been rearrested on suspicion of murder following the victim’s death, according to police.
Gloucestershire Constabulary said: “Two teenage boys have been arrested after police released CCTV images in connection with a serious assault in Cheltenham on Wednesday night (8 April).”
“Since their arrests, the victim has died and the suspects have been rearrested on suspicion of murder. Following information provided by the public, a 17-year-old boy was arrested last night (Thursday) and a 16-year-old boy was arrested in the early hours of this morning (Friday).
“Both of the boys were arrested in Cheltenham and they remain in police custody after initially being arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. At around 7.30pm on Wednesday 8 April police had been called with a report of an incident involving three males.
“It was reported that two males had been on the Millennium Bridge and had thrown a large branch at a cyclist who was travelling on the road below. It is not believed the cyclist was injured.
“The males then left the bridge and were approached by the victim, a man aged in his 70s, on Honeybourne Way. It is reported an exchange took place between them before one of the male punched the victim in the face causing him to fall to the ground.
“The suspects then fled before officers arrived at the location. Emergency services attended and the victim was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. He had been in a critical condition and died in hospital earlier today (Friday 10 April). His next of kin and the coroner have been informed.”
Officers released CCTV footage of the suspects as part of their ongoing investigation, with police expressing gratitude to members of the public for their assistance in identifying them. The force’s statement continued: “Following police enquiries at the scene and a review of CCTV, images of the suspects were released to the public in a bid to identify them.
“Investigating officers have thanked all those who have provided information so far. They are still appealing for further information and witnesses to what took place to come forward and contact police. Information can be provided to police online by completing the following form and quoting incident 430 of 8 April – click here.