Bat attack man has broken jaw (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Bat attack man has broken jaw

Injured Xavier Smith, of Haydon Wick, who was left with a broken jaw and gashed head after an assault with a baseball batA MAN'S jaw was broken in two places when he was assaulted by three men with a baseball bat.

He was also left with a gashed head and bruising to his arms and chest after the attack in Penhill.

Xavier Smith, 26, was taken to hospital and later discharged.

One man has been arrested and the attack was described by the police as a serious assault.

They have now released details of the incident, which happened just before 10.30pm on Tuesday near the BP garage in Cricklade Road.

One of the men was wearing a hooded top and another a baseball cap and it is believed they were driven away from the scene after the incident.

Mr Smith, of Haydon Wick, said: "The bottom part of my jaw by my back teeth was broken, plus the part by my right ear.

"Where I was hit on the back of my head, my scalp was split right through to the skull.

"My friend said he could see something white and then he realised it was my skull.

"I have stitches to the back of my head, and my cheek is split on the inside of my mouth.

"I look like a hamster storing food on one side of its mouth."

He cannot remember what happened after being struck on the head.

He said: "My mouth filled up with blood and all my clothes were covered in it. It was running everywhere.

"I wasn't scared when it happened, but it is the worst kicking I've ever had.

"My jaw hurts more than my head. It hasn't put me off going out but it has put me off going out on my own.

"The people who did it should go to prison for what they did.

"I'm lucky I didn't have worse damage."

Shortly after the attack there was a sighting of men wearing similar clothing with a baseball bat in May Close. Police believe there may be a link.

Det Sgt John Playfair, of Swindon Police, said: "The attack followed a previous incident involving the victim in Penhill earlier that evening.

"A 20-year-old Swindon man has been arrested in connection with the matter and has been released pending further inquiries."

Swindon CID is now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the attack or have any information about it to come forward.

Two cars were spotted in the area at the time and police are keen to speak to the occupants as they may have witnessed the assault.

One was a maroon coloured saloon and the other a blue estate car.

Anyone with any information on the attack should contact Det Sgt Playfair at Swindon police on 01793 528111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

David Andrew