Gloucester man charged with kidnap after "traumatizing" incidents
It is alleged the man tried to take women in a van on several occasions
Last updated 8th Oct 2020
A man from Gloucester has been charged in connection with several incidents including serious assaults against women and kidnap.
All the incidents occurred between July and October this year and include two counts of kidnap, two of attempt kidnap, four counts of assault, possession of an offensive weapon, dangerous driving and drink driving.
In one incident on 20 July it is alleged a woman was struck to the head with a hammer while inside a van in Gloucester.
She managed to run away to a passing member of the public.
Around two months later, on 14 September, a woman was walking along Marsland Road in Cheltenham when she was approached by a man driving a van.
It is alleged the man attempted to take her against her will by grabbing her around the neck, but like in the first incident she also managed to escape.
Then on the same evening on Marsland Road it was reported that three teenage girls, all aged 16,
They were approached by a man driving a van who attempted to grab one of the girls and drag her into his vehicle.
All three of the girls managed to run to safety.
The man has also been charged in connection with an incident in the early hours of Friday, 2 October where it is alleged a woman was struck around the head, causing her to fall to the ground.
She had been driven around inside the van which stopped on Twyver Close in Upton St Leonard before then being assaulted.
She managed to escape and hid under a parked vehicle, before being helped by residents who then called the police.
Detective Sergeant Faye Satchwell-Bennett said: "To suffer an incident such as this is traumatising and in some situations a victim may find it extremely difficult to come forward.
"If you have been a victim of something similar, please know that you can talk to us and you will be supported throughout the process by the police and other agencies.
"We are keen to hear from anyone who feels they may have information which could assist in our ongoing investigation."
The man has been remanded in police custody and is next due to appear at Gloucester Crown Court on 7 November.
You can provide information to police by calling 101 and quoting case number 2119/20.