POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was beaten with an iron bar outside an Old Town pub.

The 35-year-old Swindon man was beaten with a bar and kicked during an attempted robbery outside the Royal Oak on Newport Street around 10.15pm on Thursday.

He was treated at Princess Margaret Hospital for a two-inch gash to his head, but has since been discharged.

PC David McCalmont said: "This man was subjected to a particularly vicious attack."

After the attack the two suspects fled empty-handed along Newport Street towards the Co-op store.

The first is described as aged between 25 and 30, of mixed race and was wearing a dark tracksuit.

The second attacker is described as 21, with bright blues eyes. He was wearing a black Puffa-style jacket with a yellow hood and a cream baseball cap.

Witnesses should call police on Swindon 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.