10:30am Thursday 18th December 2008
By Scott McPherson
Police in Chippenham are urging witnesses to come forward after two separate attacks in the town involving a Samurai sword and a medieval-type mace.
The first incident happened shortly after 4.30pm on December 11 in Patchway when three men were involved in a street brawl.
One man smashed a bottle of wine into another man’s face which resulted in a broken nose.
A man was then threatened with a Samurai sword and was cut on the hand and required hospital treatment.
Police believe the fight was fuelled by alcohol and as a result a 33-year-old man has been arrested and another questioned.
The second incident took place on December 12 at 3.35am when two off duty soldiers were attacked by three black men who were brandishing a mace.
The soldiers stepped in when they saw a woman being confronted by two of the black men outside Bar Eleven on New Road.
After making sure the woman was all right, the two soldiers walked up Rowden Hill where they were blocked by the three men.
One of the men was holding a mace, a metal chain and ball weapon used in medieval times, and started to use it to attack the soldiers before fleeing in a small silver car.
One of the soldiers needed hospital treatment for an injury to his face.
Sergeant Lee Armit, head of the Chippenham Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “These are both serious incidents and we are urging any member of the public with information to come forward.
“The incident on Rowden Hill was unprovoked and the soldiers only stepped in to come to this woman’s rescue and were later assaulted.
“The sword used in the first incident has now been seized.
“I would like to remind people that carrying any weapon is an offence and it will be dealt with as such. Any information on either incident will be treated in the strictest confidence.”
Anyone with information on either attack should call Chippenham Police on 0845 408 7000, or anonymously, on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
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