CCTV images have been released of a number of people police want to speak to about a row over an unpaid bill at a Swindon Italian restaurant.

Two families ran up a bill of £281 - most of it alcohol - at Ciao Eatalia in Highworth on April 20 but paid less than half before leaving, allegedly laughing while they did so.

The group of nine is said to have included young children. It is claimed by the owners o of the restaurant that they became increasingly disruptive and abusive towards staff during the evening.

They ordered multiple double vodka and cokes and double gin and tonics, as well as beer, reportedly getting increasingly drunk.

But when the bill came is is alleged they argued that it was too high, threatened manager Gianluca La Porta and head chef Fabio Giacalone, and left without paying.

The owners say they received racist abuse and threats of violence.

"One of them told me they were going to smash my face into the wall," Gianluca said.

Police have opened an investigation and are hoping to speak with the pictured individuals in connection with the incident of theft and public disorder.

The restaurant owners say this is the fifth time recently they have been subjected to what is known as 'bilking' and feel the behaviour is not taken seriously enough.

Gianluca said: "It seems to me that anyone can go into any restaurant, eat and drink whatever they want, and then leave without paying and no one will do anything about it."

When it was just the large group and the two owners left in the building, they refused to pay - saying it was "too much". 

An argument then started and Fabio called the police and told them he was going to lock everyone inside until they arrived, but says he was advised not to do this. 

Eventually, one of the group handed over £100 in cash, and another made a card payment for the remaining £180 which was declined.

Fabio and Gianluca then watched as the group left the restaurant and say they saw them laughing among themselves, before getting into cars and driving off.

"It was almost like they were proud of it," Fabio said. 

"If they had an issue with something, we would have replaced it or taken it off the bill, but they just said the whole thing was too expensive.

"But they knew how much everything would cost when they ordered it.

"To me, they knew what they were doing and I don't see how it is any different to stealing."

Gianluca added: "One of them even said to me "nothing will happen if I don't pay."

"But I believe in Karma, whatever you do will come back to you," Gianluca said. 

Anybody who can help is asked to call police on 101 and quote crime reference number 54240045171.