Arrest after attacks involving 'bare-chested man'

Police said incidents were reported on the Painswick Road and in the Matson area

A suspect has been arrested after a "bare-chested man" robbed and assaulted people in their homes on Thursday.

Police said a man gained access to one property, in Gloucester, where he threatened one of the occupants before assaulting another, before demanding money.

He then attempted to use a pole to break into a neighbouring property.

A 38-year-old man from the city was later arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and assault, and remains in police custody.

During another incident, police were stopped by a woman "in distress". She told officers that a man in a balaclava had robbed her and a friend after they had taken money out of a cash machine on Painswick Road.

About two hours later, police were called to Garnell Road, following a report of a man trying to force his way into two properties.

Gloucestershire Police said he also tried door handles in the Matson, Abbeymead and Abbeydale areas.

Anybody with doorbell footage of a bare-chested man who may have attempted to enter properties between 01:00 and 05:00 BST is asked to contact police.