POLICE investigating the hammer attack on a student at The Ridgeway School have set up a major incident room to help them piece together the events leading up to the assault.

Operation Dakota is up and running at Gablecross police station as officers continue to trawl through dozens of witness statements.

Senior officers have reiterated to the public that it is still not clear why 15-year-old Henry Webster was attacked inside the school grounds last Thursday.

As reported by the Adver, community leaders met for the second time, on Tuesday, following the attack, which left Henry with an open fracture to his skull.

Superintendent Richard Rowland, of Swindon police, said that the meeting was arranged to discuss priorities and key issues in relation to the impact the assault may have on the community.

He said: "The public are assured that this incident, unanimously condemned by representatives of the various organisations and communities, is being treated as a high priority investigation.

"In accordance with usual procedures in relation to complex investigations of this nature, a major incident room, named Operation Dakota, has been set up at Gablecross police station.

"Considerable and appropriate resources have been specifically committed to this investigation, which has already identified a number of potential witnesses."

Supt Rowland confirmed that a visible police presence would remain at the school for the present time.

But he called for the public to remain calm while officers determine the exact motive for the attack.

He said: "Police and all representatives at the meeting, including various community leaders, are steadfastly united in appealing for individuals to act responsibly and not seek any form of retaliation.

"The victim's mother has publicly stated the attack on her son was not a reflection on the wider Asian community. The incident is under robust investigation with appropriate input from various agencies.

"Due to the complexities of this live investigation and subjudice in relation to the charged subject, we cannot speculate as to the motive of the assault.

"Whatever the motive was for the assault, right from the outset this incident has been closely monitored in compliance with the recommendations of the inquiry into the death of Stephen Lawrence. This includes listening to the concerns of the whole community."

Henry was released from Frenchay Hospital earlier this week and is reported to be recovering well by his family.

And the Adver understands that Henry's classmates have been visiting him at his Beranburgh Field home in Wroughton, after the school ferried them to see their friend by taxi.

A 17-year-old youth, who has been remanded in custody, has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm and will appear before Swindon Youth Court on Monday.