Two teenagers arrested after cyclist in his 70s ‘punched to death’ | News UK

Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man aged in his 70s was ‘punched to death’ in Cheltenham.

Two boys aged 16 and 17 were arrested following an altercation with a cyclist in his 70s on Wednesday night.

The cyclist had a branch thrown at him from the Millennium Bridge.

He confronted the two males suspected of throwing the branch on Honeybourne Way, before one punched him in the face knocking him to the ground.

The suspects fled the scene but were first arrested on suspicion of suspcion of causing grievous bodily harm.

The victim was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and died earlier today.

Gloucestershire Police 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). 

‘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.’

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