Second man hit with belt

It is the second time in less than a week that police have reported victims being battered with belts.

And they say this attack, carried out by a group of men described as being of possible Middle Eastern or South Eastern European origin, was racially motivated.

Acting Inspector John Jones said: "It is a vicious attack being beaten with belts and the scale of the attack, where it's alleged that eight men were involved. It's a high number."

The latest assault happened on Wednesday, May 11, when a man was walking along Corporation Street at about 2am.

Two cars pulled up beside him and four men got out of each.

The victim was then knocked to the ground and thrashed with belts before the men got back in their cars and drove off.

AI Jones said: "This assault with belts being used as weapons is not something that we have come across as a common occurrence.

"It could be that it is unique to the Middle Eastern or South Eastern European type that did it.

"It's totally unacceptable. Obviously we would like any witnesses to make contact with us so that we can trace these people and bring the case to a successful conclusion.

"This type of behaviour is just not acceptable."

The victim suffered minor injuries to his hand and neck.

The attack comes after a 22-year-old man had to be taken to the Great Western Hospital with cuts and a swollen face after being assaulted in Park South on May 5.

He was with his 17-year-old girlfriend when they were approached by a gang of youths who punched him in the face and hit him with a belt.

Jaginder Bassi from the Swindon Racial Equality Council said that Wednesday's attack was the latest in a rising number of racially motivated crimes.

He said: "All the figures that I have seen indicate a significant increase in recent years.

"It sounds as though it was quite a severe assault and eight men attacking one individual is almost unheard of."

Anyone with information should contact PC Neil Pryce on 01793 528111.

Gareth Bethell