Appeal after vulnerable man seriously assaulted in Gloucester

Police have issued photos of a vulnerable man who was seriously assaulted in Gloucester and are appealing for anyone who knows anything about the incident to come forward.

The 59-year-old Gloucester man left his sheltered housing at around 7pm on Thursday (24 March) and walked to Wellington Street Stores, where he purchased items including cigarettes shortly before 7.30pm. He left the shop and entered an alleyway on Cromwell Street that leads to St Michael’s Square. Here he was confronted by three people who attacked him, demanded money then stole his cigarettes.

The victim suffered a fractured eye socket and broken jaw.

Detective Constable Aimee Batt said: “This was a savage attack on a vulnerable man who suffered very nasty injuries.

“We’re carrying out extensive inquiries that includes forensic and CCTV work but in the meantime we’re really eager to hear from people who may have seen something suspicious or know anything about the assault.

“The victim has agreed for us to issue the injury photos in an attempt to encourage anyone who may be reluctant for any reason.

“If you do have information please do the right thing and get in contact straight away.”

Anyone who can help should call 101 and quote incident 356 of 25 March. If you want to stay anonymous then you can ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A 36-year-old Gloucester man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm in connection with the case and has been bailed to return to police on 9 June, pending further inquiries.

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk