A SWIFT and savage assault left a 24-year-old woman in hospital after she was attacked in an underpass late at night.

The woman was walking through the tunnel running from the town centre to the Oasis Leisure Centre just after 11pm on Thursday.

She was approached from behind by a lone male, who landed a single blow to the back of her head before fleeing the scene.

The assault left her with serious head injuries, and she was admitted to Great Western Hospital for treatment.

She has now been discharged and is currently in a stable condition, but is still shaken by the attack.

As part of the police investigation, a group of six men who witnessed to the incident are being sought after they were identified on CCTV at the end of the underpass leading on to Station Road.

Police say the men may not currently be aware of the importance of the information they could hold, but it is vital that they make contact urgently.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “This is an underpass running from town right to the back of the Oasis Leisure Centre.

“The woman was assaulted from behind by a man. He hit her multiple times on the back of the head before running off.

“The woman suffered serious injuries and was admitted to Great Western Hospital. She was released the next day and is currently recovering while a little shaken up.

“The six men we would like to speak to are being treated as witnesses.

“Considering how close they were at the time of the incident it is likely they would have seen something.

“The six men were seen separately on CCTV at the entrance to the alleyway.”

Detective Sergeant Gemma Vinton, from Wiltshire Police, said any information from the six men or anyone else who may have seen the incident would be welcomed.

“This was a serious attack on a lone female victim who has been left understandably shaken by what has happened,” she said.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has information regarding it.

“In particular, I would like to speak to each of the six people shown in the CCTV.

“They may hold vital information in relation to this case.”

In addition to these six people, officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have any information which could assist in apprehending the offender.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.