POLICE in Gloucester are eager to trace three people who may have information about an incident in Kings Walk last week.

Shortly before 9.10pm on Tuesday, February 20, a woman was sitting on a bench when a man walked past and stole her handbag. About 30 minutes later the man returned and sexually assaulted the woman.

The three people pictured are believed to have spoken to the woman earlier and officers hope that they may have information about the circumstances leading up to the incident.

They, or anyone else who was in Kings Walk at the time and may have information, are asked to call Gloucestershire Constabulary on 101, or email 101@gloucestershire.police.uk, quoting incident 431 of 20 February.

Since the incident, a 42-year-old man has been arrested and charged with rape and theft.

Constantin Turbinca, of Park End Road, Gloucester appeared before magistrates in Cheltenham on February 22 and was remanded in custody to appear at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday, March 23.