A 21-year-old man was left with life-changing injuries after being attacked by a gang wielding a 'bladed weapon' in a Swindon park.

The terrifying incident happened in broad daylight, with police called to The Planks in Old Town by Lawns Park at around 5pm on Tuesday afternoon.

The victim was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford with severe hand injuries and is undergoing urgent treatment.

Cops cordoned off a section of Lawns Park, where they were spotted combing the scene for evidence for several hours.

No arrests have been made and officers are speaking to possible witnesses.

Swindon Advertiser:

Detective Sergeant Emma Kinderman, from Swindon CID, said: “This was a violent assault which has left the victim with significant injuries.

“Our early enquiries suggest that the attack was carried out by a group of people, and we believe they used some sort of bladed weapon. We don’t believe this was a random assault, but more likely to have been a targeted attack involving people who are known to each other.

“We have already started speaking to potential witnesses, but would urge anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, or who saw anything suspicious beforehand or shortly afterwards, to please get in touch.

“Similarly, if you either live locally or were driving through the area, and may have video doorbell, CCTV or dash cam footage, then please review this and make contact with police.”

Police have asked anyone who may have significant information about the incident to contact Swindon CID on 101 and quote crime reference 54220067339.

Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111