Police Appeal for Information Following Assault and Harassment in Cirencester

Law enforcement is requesting public assistance following reports of a man harassing and repeatedly assaulting a woman in Cirencester. Gloucestershire Police stated that the event occurred in the vicinity of the 17 Black bar on Castle Street during the early hours of Thursday morning. The man’s actions during the incident included shouting at the woman, placing his hands around her throat, pulling her into an alleyway, and subsequently attempting to sexually assault her. Authorities are seeking to identify the individual, described as a white male, appearing to be in his mid-30s to early 40s, with a large build, and speaking with a London accent. According to Gloucestershire Police, the man, who was unknown to the woman, initiated a conversation with her at approximately 01:00 GMT on 19 December. Subsequently, when the woman later returned to the establishment, the man intercepted her. He then began shouting at her and placed his hands around her throat before forcibly taking her down an alleyway situated near Coffee #1, where he issued threats. The woman managed to escape from him and re-enter the bar; however, upon attempting to return to the alley later to search for any lost belongings, she encountered the man once more. The man again seized the woman by the throat and made an attempt to sexually assault her, ceasing his actions only when two women passing by the alley intervened. He then pursued the woman back to the bar and resumed harassing her. When a group of men intervened, he reacted aggressively, throwing bottles at them before departing the premises. Law enforcement is requesting that anyone possessing information come forward. The suspect is described as having short brown hair and stubble. He was dressed in a black jacket, a white t-shirt, and black trousers, and notably had a gap between his front teeth. Officers confirmed that investigations are currently underway, and CCTV footage will be examined. For updates, follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.