A CAMPER was taken to hospital with a large wound to his chin after he was allegedly hit in the face with a metal pole, resulting in him needing stitches.

The altercation is believed to have broken out in the early hours of Sunday, June 14, at the popular campsite behind The Barge Inn in Honeystreet, near Pewsey.

The 30-year-old man was taken to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon at 2.22am.

It is alleged he got into an argument with his girlfriend in his tent after a long day of drinking and a fellow camper intervened. It is believed a scuffle broke out and the boyfriend was hit with a pole.

The injured man called police initially claiming he had been hit with a sledgehammer.

As the incident occurred after closing hours no members of staff saw what happened.

They said: “The man who was injured had been in here drinking all night. He had been causing a lot of trouble since he got here and at the campsite and we kicked him out before it was closing time because he was playing up.

“He got into an argument with his girlfriend and another man stepped in.”

A 66-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing GBH with intent and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with further information should contact police on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously if preferred.