A SERIES of late night attacks on people and property in Silverless Street, Marlborough, has led residents to set up a Neighbourhood Watch group.

Within the space of 72 hours a local man was beaten by a gang of three attackers in their early 20s, a window in a cottage was punched in and a substance believed to be paint stripper was poured over a front door.

Now the fed up residents of the street have asked the police for a starter pack so that they can set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

The injured man, who has asked not to be identified, was walking along Silverless Street at about 11pm on October 1 when he was set upon by three men. He said he was attacked from behind, punched in the face and knocked to the ground.

As he tried to shield his body he was kicked repeatedly and sustained severe facial bruising, a suspected broken nose, two broken ribs and severe bruising to his left leg.

PC Doug Downing, of Marlborough police, said it appeared to have been an unprovoked assault and urged anyone with information about it to phone police on (01672) 512311.

PC Downing said police were aware of the concerns of residents in Silverless Street and were making extra patrols in the area.

Steve Pascall's home in Silverless Street is just yards from where the attack took place although he and his wife heard nothing.

Mr Pascall said residents were so concerned they were planning to set up their own Neighbourhood Watch group.

He said: "Part of the problem is that the patch through St Mary's churchyard and across The Green has become something of a no-go area because there are places where people can lurk without being seen.

"If the council could bring forward clearing up the growth around the lower trunks of the lime trees on The Green it would help because they are virtually forming a hedge where people can hide."