POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an unprovoked attack on a man in the town centre.

The incident took place on shortly after 2.15am on Sunday in Fleet Street, outside the Subway sandwich shop.

The victim, an 18-year-old man, was walking towards Bushwackers nightclub when he was punched to the back of the head by a man.

The force of the punch knocked the victim to the ground and he sustained serious facial injuries including a broken nose, cuts to the face and loss of teeth.

The offender is described as a white man, of slim build, approximately 6ft tall, with shoulder length dark hair. He was wearing blue jeans and a jumper.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Mark Garrett, of the Swindon CID, said: “This was a horrendous and unprovoked attack which has left the victim with extensive injuries.

“The victim was completely unaware what was about to happen. The CCTV footage shows that the offender has run up behind the victim and with one very forceful punch, knocked him to the ground.

"This victim did not stand a chance. I believe that he was unconscious before he hit the ground face first.

“This is such a cowardly attack by a very violent man. I would urge anyone with information to come forward to help identify who was responsible for this terrible assault.

“Swindon town centre weekend evenings are robustly policed and incidents of this type are rare.

Anyone with information should contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.