Appeal after woman was sexually assaulted and chased

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man sexually assaulted and chased a woman in Cheltenham last month.

Gloucestershire Police said the victim was walking along Portland Street at around 3.25am BST on Sunday, October 20, when a man walking in the opposite direction sexually assaulted her.

Police said the unknown man grabbed the woman without her consent and whispered “I love you” in her ear.

The woman walked towards Winchcombe Street and he chased her down the road before turning around and going in another direction.

Gloucestershire Police said the woman was not injured but was shocked by what happened.

Officers searched the area, but the man was not found.

The operator remained on the phone with the victim until she was safely home, at which time officers took a statement from her.

The man was described as Native American, in his late 30s or early 40s and approximately 173cm tall.

He had medium-length black hair, a full beard that was slightly longer than stubble and was wearing a dark-colored T-shirt and jeans.

Investigating officers have conducted a camera search in the area and are now asking anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the man in the area to contact them.