Two teenage girls attacked with ‘knockout’ spray, spat at and threatened with a brick as boys aged 13 and 14 arrested

TWO teenage girls have been attacked with "knockout" spray, spat at and threatened with a brick - with two boys aged 13 and 14 arrested.

Cops said today that they were called along with paramedics after the girls were targeted with "incapacitant spray" in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

The girls were also spat at, threatened with a brick and subjected to abusive comments.

Two boys aged 13 and 14, both from Cheltenham, have been arrested in connection with the attack.

They have both been bailed, with conditions, to return to police later this month.

Incapacitant spray, known as PAVA spray, can effectively immobilise someone through intense discomfort when it is propelled from a canister.

It is typically only used by specialist police officers who have to refresh their training at least once a year.

The girls were treated for substance irritation by paramedics who called the police to the scene.

Gloucestershire Police said: "Police are appealing for witnesses after two girls were sprayed with a substance in Cheltenham last month.

"The incident happened on Bedford Avenue on Monday 17 April between 5pm and 5.20pm.

"During the encounter, two girls were sprayed with an incapacitant spray and one girl was spat at.

"One of the offenders also threatened to throw a brick at the girls, and abusive comments were made.

"Enquiries are ongoing and investigating officers are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed what took place and has not yet spoken to police."

The attack unfolded on a suburban residential street, near Rowanfield Junior School and the King George V playing ground.