Alleyway where the vicious attack took place Picture Ref: 76979-71A MAN has appeared in court charged with a vicious attack which left a Penhill father fighting for his life.

Michael Squire, 40, of Ramsbury Avenue, Penhill is charged with causing grevious bodily harm.

Swindon magistrates remanded him in custody and committed the case to crown court.

He will appear for a preliminary hearing on April 22.

Squire is alleged to have beaten Clive Gowland around the head with a piece of wood on Tuesday night.

He was remanded in custody until the next hearing.

Mr Gowland was attacked in an alleyway just yards from his flat in Chippenham Walk, Penhill, as reported in yesterday's second edition.

He is currently in a critical condition, and receiving treatment in London for serious brain injuries.

The attack has shocked residents of Chippenham Walk.

A 29-year-old mother-of-one, whose flat overlooks the alleyway said she heard the incident.

"There was a lot of noise and shouting and they were telling the victim to keep his eyes open," she said.

"I don't really like living here it's not a nice area.

"There are a few troublemakers but this has really shocked the neighbourhood."

She said blood could seen at the scene the next day.

A 34-year-old mother-of-five who has lived in Chippenham Walk for 15 years said everybody was talking about it.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said: "It's a real blow for the neighbourhood and a great shock and we are thinking about the victim's family."

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Chippenham Walk and Ramsbury Avenue between 11pm and 11.30pm to come forward.

Contact DC Hacker on 01793 528111 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Tamash Lal