POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a vulnerable man had his leg and ankle broken in a serious assault in Chippenham.

The incident is being treated as a hate crime. The victim, who is in his 50s, was walking along Hungerdown Lane between 9.40pm and 10pm on Monday November 19 when he was subjected to a random attack by a stranger.

He was punched to the side of his head, which caused him to fall to the ground. He was then kicked and slapped while lying on the floor. The man suffered a fractured leg and ankle and now requires surgery to have metal pins or plates inserted. He was verbally abused during the assault, leading police to conclude he was targeted because of his obvious learning and physical disabilities.

PCSO Val Wagstaff, from Wiltshire North Community Policing Team, said: "This was a horrific assault which has left the victim with serious injuries.

"He was simply walking home from a friend's house when he was set upon by a complete stranger, who wanted to hurt and humiliate him because he was disabled.

"Here at Wiltshire Police we have a zero tolerance approach to hate crime and we know local people will be understandably outraged by this horrendous incident.

"We know that while the assault was taking place a couple walked past, and the victim called out to them for help, but he was ignored.

"Were you in the area at the time of the attack? Did you see the suspect before or after the assault happened?

"Anyone with information is urged to come forward urgently and assist us with your enquiries."

After the assault the victim was discovered by a neighbour, who helped him home and contacted police. The incident happened on Hungerdown Lane, adjacent to the alleyway and the bus shelter, and opposite the Queens Crescent traffic light-controlled junction.

The suspect is described as a white man, believed to be under 5ft 8ins tall, with scruffy, collar-length grey hair. He was wearing a light blue, possibly denim, jacket, jeans, a distinctive belt and scruffy black shoes without laces. He had a pedal bike with him.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PCSO Wagstaff on 101, quoting crime reference number 54180109933. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.