Thugs attack man with iron bar

10:40am Friday 21st November 2008

IT was just an ordinary Saturday evening for Paul Howe as he waved goodbye to his friends after a quiet drink in the Walkabout pub.

But minutes later he was the victim of a vicious and unprovoked attack by metal bat wielding hooligans, which has left him with muscular damage and kidney failure. Town centre resident Paul now faces at least two weeks hooked up to a dialysis machine after the attack in Manchester Road at around 5pm on Saturday.

Police believe the 33-year-old may have been mistaken for a Leicester City fan.

Paul had just crossed the road near the junction with Gladstone Street when he was hit five or six times with a metal bar, then punched and kicked to the ground.

At about the same time around 50 police officers were quelling trouble that flared after Swindon Town’s draw with Leicester City.

No arrests were made but police are studying CCTV for any evidence that an offence was committed.

Detective Inspector Adrian Davis, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a cowardly attack by a group of thugs on a defenceless male.

“I am aware that Swindon Town’s match against Leicester City had ended a short while before and that there were a number of people in the area making their way home. I know that there were some incidents of disorder following the game. I have a theory that the victim was mistaken for a Leicester City supporter and attacked by a group of people intent on assaulting a rival fan, but I am keeping an open mind”

PC James Neighbour, Wiltshire’s Football Intelligence Officer, said: “People who involve themselves in violence and disorder are not welcome at Swindon Town’s matches.

“I am working closely with the Investigation Team to vigorously pursue those responsible. The vast majority of people who attend football matches do so peacefully, but unfortunately it’s the small minority who spoil things.”

Chief Superintendent Paul Howlett said everything possible was being done to minimise the risk of football-related violence.

He said: “We work closely with Swindon Town football club and we have good links with football intelligence officers around the country.

“Our priority is to protect the public from harm and ensure that the majority of football fans who just want to enjoy the game are given that opportunity.”

The attackers are described as being white males, in their early 20’s, wearing dark-coloured jackets and baseball caps. At least two of the suspects were wearing Stone Island brand jackets.

Swindon Police will be holding an anniversary visit at the scene of the attack on Saturday from 5pm. Any witnesses are asked to call DI Davis on 0845 4087000 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.