AN attack on a Melksham businessman involving a knife and a scythe was the latest in a string of incidents at a town centre takeaway.

Burhan Aydin, manager of the Chicken Hut, on Union Street, claims he has been the victim of verbal abuse in recent weeks, culminating in an incident last Wednesday night.

Mr Aydin suffered unprovoked verbal abuse before having weapons pointed threateningly at him.

"The trouble goes back a couple of months. It's not gone this far before. I can't see any reason for them picking on us. They were just some idiots, sick people," Mr Aydin said.

A 16-year-old youth was arrested in connection with the attack and appeared at Chippenham Youth Court on Wednesday to admit charges of possessing an offensive.

The youth was conditionally bailed until Wednesday, when he is due to be sentenced.