Teenage boy arrested over sex attack spree on 11 lone women and girls

A teenage boy was arrested after 11 lone women and girls were groped during a 17-day sex assault spree.

The attacks all occurred in the Hatherley area of Cheltenham between July 21 and August 6.

In each one the male suspect approached the victim, who was walking or cycling alone, and either grabbed or slapped their bottoms.

Extra police patrols were mounted, including plain clothes operation, and a teenager was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault on Friday evening. He was later released under investigation pending further enquiries.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Constabulary said: ‘Investigating officers are keen to hear from anyone who has witnessed any of the incidents or who may have information which could assist the investigation.

‘Police are also asking residents and businesses who may have CCTV, or motorists with dash cameras to review the footage and contact police if they have anything they think may assist.

‘Anyone with information about the incidents, or anyone with video footage, should contact Gloucestershire Constabulary on 101 quoting incident 300 of July 21.

‘Due to the ongoing investigation and arrest police are asking anyone who has footage to please not share this on social media platforms, and to contact police instead.’

Alternatively, people wishing to give information anonymously can do so by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.