A MAN who was slashed in the head with a sharp weapon has told of his terror during the unprovoked gang attack.

Darren Hobbs, from Wroughton, was out with a friend when the incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, February 21.

Mr Hobbs, 27, was walking back through the town centre when five young men started to shout at him before pushing him to the floor outside The Savoy pub in Regent Street.

Mr Hobbs said they ran off but lay in wait for him a few hundreds yards down the street near the Next shop.

This is when they threw punches to his face. Then one man pulled some out a bladed implement to inflict three wounds to the back of his head as he tried to protect himself on the ground.

The three wounds – one up to five inches long – had to be glued together at hospital.

Last night Mr Hobbs said: “I was covered from head to toe in blood. The new white and blue shirt I had bought was soaked red and police took it away.

“I still don’t know why these men attacked me. There was no banter beforehand and they just went for me.

“I tried to defend myself. If I had been someone who was really drunk that night it could have been a hell of a lot worse.”

He said the men were aged between 17 and 21. No arrests have yet been made by police.

Mr Hobbs wanted police to attend the scene straight away after reporting the incident. But despite at least three emergency calls he did not speak to an officer until 8.30am.

He also said he does not usually visit the centre at night and said he would stick to socialising in Old Town in future.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “Police were called shortly before 3.15am on Sunday, February 21, to reports that a man had been assaulted in Edgeware Road, New Town.

“An ambulance was tasked and attended, taking the man to Great Western Hospital for treatment. He was released in the early hours and officers were then able to attend an address to speak to the victim.

“Statements were taken and inquiries are currently on-going to establish circumstances surrounding the assault.

“It is believed a weapon was used in the attack but it is not clear at this stage what this was an it would be inappropriate to speculate.

“We are continuing to support the victim following this frightening attack and anyone with any information.”

Any details about the attack can be passed onto police by calling 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers, where information can be left anonymously if they wish, on 0800 555 111.