THE vicious attack on Abdi Muse, the 36-year-old Somali who was beaten and apparently robbed in an underpass in the town centre, is an appalling blot on the reputation of Swindon.

And it is made worse by the tact that it was the 18th assault against Somalis in the space of only six months.

Mr Muse is now in a critical condition in Princess Margaret Hospital and the savage pair who committed this racist atrocity must not be allowed to get away with it. But for the intervention of the American airman who raised the alarm the police might now be investigating a murder.

Kicking a helpless man in the head because he happens to be from a different ethnic background is a crime which almost beggars belief. Somebody out there knows who the attackers are.

If they have any conscience something these two thugs clearly lack they will tell the police.

We wish Mr Muse a full and speedy recovery from the brain injury which was inflicted on him.

Hopefully he will see his attackers in court.