SEVEN teenagers have been arrested after a vulnerable man was robbed in East Wichel.

The man in his 40s was walking in an alleyway that leads to Old Town on September 4.

A group of youths he didn’t know approached him and stole his phone, shoes and house keys. He suffered minor injuries.

Police arrested six 16-year-olds – two girls and four boys - and a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of robbery. All of them are from Swindon.

Insp Barry Reed said: “Despite the initial details of this incident being quite vague, we have been working hard to identify those involved. This was a nasty incident which left an already vulnerable man feeling particularly frightened and upset. This is unacceptable behaviour and no one should be made to feel intimidated about going out in their home town. 

“These six arrests are a really positive step in our investigation, but our enquiries remain ongoing and we’d urge anyone with further information to get in touch.”

Anyone with information in relation to the incident should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54200089968.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.