POLICE are hunting a yob who attacked a man, shattering his eye socket.

The 41-year-old victim was walking in an alley off Oxford Street, Railway Village, when he passed a group of teenagers.

One of the youths lashed out and hit him in the face.

The man was taken to hospital where he was treated for a fractured eye socket.

After the vicious assault a number of people helped the victim, calling an ambulance.

Police are appealing for witnesses who saw the brutal and apparently unprovoked attack last month.

Detective Constable Graham Hamilton, of Swindon CID said the assault happened on Wednesday, February 20, at approximately 8.45pm.

"Police are appealing for witnesses who were in the area at the time, in particular any persons who came to the aid of the victim," he said.

"We also want to speak to any of the youths who were in the group with the assailant."

In recent times the Railway Village has become a hotbed of violent crime.

Last December thugs attacked a man stealing his passport and driver's licence in the area. The men dragged the 45-year-old into an alley off Faringdon Road before mugging him.

A second attacker then grabbed him from behind, holding his hand over the man's mouth and nose and dragging him into an alley near Fletcher's café.

Anyone who witnessed this most recent attack is urged to contact DC Hamilton on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.