POLICE chasing two car thieves came under attack from a crowd of 60 youths.

Thugs hurled abuse and threw rocks at the officers during a standoff in Pinehurst Circle.

The crowd had congregated in the street during the evening and had been drinking outside due to the warm weather.

Police said some of the group was made up of mourners who had gathered nearby earlier in the evening to remember Matthew Styles, who had been killed in a car crash at the weekend.

Ten police officers were hunting two suspects wanted for an attempted car break-in.

One suspect was arrested, but efforts to catch the second were hampered by the crowd.

Louts blocked the road, stopping police cars in their tracks, while officers were pelted with stones and rocks.

Two officers were hit, and received minor injuries, although they were back at work the next day.

Seven people were arrested and were being quizzed at Westlea police station as the Evening Advertiser went to press.

One was arrested for being drunk and disorderly, two for disorderly behaviour and four for violent disorder.

Police said the crowd dispersed quickly once the arrests were made.

Officers are currently studying footage shot from the police helicopter.

Sergeant Wayne Smith of Swindon police said: "This is not the sort of behaviour we want from the people of Swindon. Most people were drunk."

The car thieves were driving a stolen white Ford Escort van.

They were wanted in connection with an attempt to break into a car parked at the Rolleston Arms in Commercial Road at 10.30pm.

The suspect who was arrested is currently waiting to be questioned.

Anyone with information about the attempted car break in or the disorder should call Swindon police on 01793 528111.

Tamash Lal