A MAN was beaten up by a gang of five or six thugs in a late-night attack.

The 24-year-old was on his way home after work at the Greenbridge Retail Park. He was walking through the subway leading from Greenbridge to Oxford Road when a group of about six white men or youths approached him from behind.

They pushed the man to the ground and then punched and kicked him, which caused cuts on his face, bruises and swelling.

The youths then ran off towards Greenbridge, while the man managed to get home.

The victim had to be taken to the Great Western Hospital for treatment.

Police have condemned the attack. A spokesman said: "This totally unprovoked and motiveless assault was a terrifying ordeal for the young man who had just finished work and was making his way home."

The incident happened at 11.10pm on Thursday, April 15.

The victim described one of the six attackers as white, about 5ft 10in, of medium build and about 16. He had short, dark brown hair and wore a dark, long-sleeved shirt and dark jeans.

It is the second attack in the area this month. On April 6, a 16-year-old boy was assaulted outside the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant at Greenbridge by a group of six youths just after 9pm. He suffered injuries to his head and face and is now scared of returning to the scene.

Any witnesses to either attack or anyone who knows who the thugs are can call Swindon police on 01793 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.