Appeal for information after man throws unknown powder into woman’s face

Police are appealing for help in identifying a man who threw an unknown powder into a woman’s face before attempting to push another woman into oncoming traffic.

The incidents happened in Cheltenham last month within the space of an hour of each other.

Officers believe the same individual was involved in both cases and are now appealing for information from the public.

Both incidents took place on Monday 8 January with the first happening on Gloucester Road, close to the junction with Alstone Lane, at around 9.40am.

A woman was walking when a man who was unknown to her approached and threw an unknown white powder into her face. He then walked off in the direction of St Georges Road.

The woman needed hospital treatment and received antibiotics for her eye. She has since made a full recovery.

An hour later, at around 10.40am, on Granley Road, a man believed to be the same person attempted to push another woman off the pavement and into on-coming traffic.

The woman was able to stop herself from falling into the road and the man subsequently walked off. She was left uninjured but badly shaken by the incident.

Following a number of enquiries, including CCTV, officers are now asking for anyone who has not already spoken to them to come forward. They would particularly like to hear from anyone with relevant CCTV or dashcam footage.

The man is described as being white, in his 40s, about 5ft 8ins in height, and of medium build.

He had brown, scruffy hair which was wrapped in a purple scarf that tucked into his jacket at the back, and was wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gloucestershire Constabulary through the website, quoting incident 101 of 8 January: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/a-crime-that-has-already-been-reported/