How did he die?

The 34-year-old victim was discovered collapsed but still conscious, in a property in County Road on Saturday afternoon.

Police are unsure where the actual assault took place, but a trail of blood was found leading along an alleyway to the rear of the property.

The man was discovered at 3.30pm and died two hours later at Great Western Hospital from serious chest injuries.

Two Swindon men aged 31 and 45 were arrested on suspicion of murder later the same day. The 31-year-old was later released. The other man was still being held today, but had not been charged as the Evening Advertiser went to press.

They had been held at Westlea and Melksham police stations.

Detectives have had difficulty tracing the man's family who are not from the Swindon area and he has not yet been formally identified.

He is described as white, 6ft 2in tall, with short, dark hair, and was wearing jeans, trainers and possibly a dark, navy-coloured blouson-style jacket.

A post-mortem was carried out yesterday and the coroner has been informed.

Police have stressed that the two men arrested were only suspects at this stage and have made an urgent appeal for witnesses.

Det Insp James Vaughan, of Swindon police, said: "These men could be eliminated from our inquiries. We need people to help us catch the killer.

"We don't yet know exactly where the man was assaulted. He could have been dropped off in a car.

"We know he was bleeding as he walked along the alleyway, before collapsing in the house.

"And at this stage, we don't have a motive.

"If anyone saw anything suspicious, or knows the people concerned, we want to hear from them.

"It is likely that it is not only the killer who knows about this.

"The perpetrator may have told other people what was going to happen. All calls will be treated in confidence."

The murder weapon has yet to be found and residents in the area are being urged to check their dustbins and gardens for anything suspicious.

Bad weather hampered a forensic investigation of the area and it is feared that rain may have washed away vital clues.

The suspects' homes have also been searched and clothing and other items seized for forensic analysis.

Police are also examining CCTV footage.

Yesterday, officers were still searching the house where the victim was found a shared property in the hope of finding more clues, and door-to-door inquires were continuing.

Part of the alleyway, which runs parallel to the north side of Manchester Road, remained sealed off.

Detectives are not sure whether the victim lived at the property, or just knew people lodging there.

More than 40 officers are involved in the hunt for the killer.

The stretch of County Road where the victim was found is mainly home to short-term lodgers.

Residents say violent arguments are common and drugs are a problem.

Neighbour Bill Lowe, 32, said: "I am not surprised by this. "Most people are casual residents and many have drug problems.

"There are often arguments at night."

Another resident, a 39-year-old woman, who asked not to be named, said: "There are a lot of comings and goings. It's hard to keep up.

"It's worrying enough when this kind of thing happens at night, but nowadays you're not even safe in broad daylight."

A 76-year-old woman, who also declined to be named, said: "Unfortunately, for some people, this kind of thing is a way of life."

n Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 01793 528111 ext 570 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Tamash Lal