HIGHWORTH police have been unable to charge thugs they believe caused a mass street brawl because witnesses refused to give statements.

Officers are convinced they know who was behind the trouble, which left three men in hospital.

But without witness statements, they cannot bring the culprits to court.

However, Highworth police chief, Sergeant Max Sharman, says the yobs should not rest easy.

"We know who did this, and we are not letting it go," he said.

"If new evidence comes forward in six months or a year's time, then we can resurrect it. A lot of people spoke to us about the incident, but for whatever reason, they were not prepared to make a statement.

"The only way to stop this sort of thuggery is to bring the culprits before the courts.

"I would also warn those responsible that they only have to upset a witness, and they could come back to us."

Around 40 people were involved in the brawl, which broke out when rival gangs clashed in Swindon Street last month. One man lost four teeth after being hit in the mouth with a snooker ball in a sock. Another was attacked with a pool cue before being stamped on the head.

A third was hit over the head with a glass bottle and later a woman with crutches was seen lying in the road being kicked. Now, High-worth Town Council is looking at installing CCTV cameras in the street a magnet for late-night revellers because of its fast-food outlets.

Despite the problems, Sgt Sharman stressed that Highworth is still a safe place.

"Highworth is a safe place to live, there is just a minority of troublemakers," he said.

"The reasons behind this trouble is pretty petty, it's just that some people can't cope socially, so they resort to violence."

Tamash Lal