Defenceless man attacked by gang (From Swindon Advertiser)

Defenceless man attacked by gang

9:00am Friday 15th March 2013 in News By Katie Bond

SHOCKING CCTV footage of a man being beaten to the ground in an unprovoked and brutal attack in the town centre has been released by police.

The assault, which happened at approximately 3.45am on March 3 in Regent Street, took place just an hour-and-a-half after a man, who sustained serious facial injuries including a broken nose, cuts to the face and loss of teeth, was punched from behind in Fleet Street.

The latest footage, released yesterday, shows four men approaching a 23-year-old male victim as he walked along the street near to the O2 phone shop, before attacking him and kicking him to his head and body causing him to fall to the ground.

At no point did the victim attempt to fight back.

He required hospital treatment as a result of the attack and was left with severe swelling and bruising to both sides of his head and body.

CCTV images of the men police would like to speak to in connection with the incident have been released in a bid to track them down.

Crime Investigator Louise Kennelly, from the Local Crime Team in Swindon, said: “This was a nasty, unprovoked attack.

“The CCTV footage is shocking and shows an innocent male being attacked from behind and beaten and kicked to the head. He was completely defenceless and did not attempt to fight back at all.

“I would like to reassure the local community that Swindon town centre weekend evenings and early mornings are robustly policed.

“I would urge anyone with any information on this assault or if they recognise any of the men in this CCTV, to contact Wiltshire Police immediately.

“All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said increased patrols of the town centre are always carried out from Thursday to Sunday mornings, and at the time of this attack, police officers were patrolling nearby. When they chased the attackers, they ran off. One of the suspects is described as being mixed race, mid 20s, 5ft 9 to 10ins and of medium build. He also had dreadlocks no longer than shoulder length. He was wearing glasses and wearing a sweatshirt with a large distinctive logo on the chest and dark coloured trainers.

The second suspect is described as being white, mid 20s, average height, skinny build with short blonde hair. He was wearing a sweatshirt with a large logo on the front and back, jeans and white footwear.

The third suspect had a pale complexion, was wearing a hip length casual anorak and trainers with light coloured soles.

The fourth male is described as wearing a dark casual jacket and dark trousers/jeans and dark footwear with white soles.

Following initial police enquiries, a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm and has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

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

l For video of the latest attack, see swindonadvertiser.co.uk