Man is attacked by hooded gang (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Man is attacked by hooded gang

A STUDENT was beaten by a hooded gang on his way to meet a friend for a night out in Swindon.

Police say residents in the street where it took place ignored the victim as he went from house to house begging for help after the attack.

The 22-year-old man was walking along Savernake Street with friends at 9.50pm on Friday when his attackers targeted him.

His mates deserted him as a group of up to six teenagers in hoodies surrounded him.

Two of them punched him to the ground and kicked him in the back as he lay on the floor.

When he fell, he smashed his face against the kerb, leaving him with cuts and bruises and a swollen lip.

PC Becky Smart said the attack was unprovoked and that the victim was on his mobile phone when the yobs approached him.

Nothing was stolen in the assault which left the victim shaken up.

She said: "The male was approached by a group of five to six males, approximately 18, and wore hooded jumpers.

"His friends were walking apart from each other and they carried on going. Two of the group set upon the male punching him to the face and kicking him to the back as he fell to the floor.

"This is an unprovoked attack.

"Obviously he was shaken up by it. He was on the phone walking up the hill and they singled him out.

"After the attack he knocked on some doors to get help but got no answer. The one man that did open the door said his phone wasn't working.

"I am sure somebody would have seen it out of their window."

The group of friends had been on their way to meet up with another person before going to the Soda nightclub in Old Town.

Yesterday residents said they were shocked by the attack in what is usually a quiet street. But they said that with a park opposite the houses there are occasionally gangs of youths that gather there.

The attackers are described as approximately 18 years old and they all had shaved heads.

Anyone with any information should call Swindon police on 01793 528111 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.