FORMER Chippenham rugby player Evan Jones was kicked and punched to death in a vicious and sustained attack, say police.

Mr Jones, 46, was found unconscious in the Stokes Croft area of Bristol on Wednesday. He was rushed to hospital but did not regain consciousness.

Police found Mr Jones outside a block of flats near his home in City Road, Bristol, at 10.50pm. Detectives are trying to trace the drivers of two cars who were forced to brake to avoid two men fighting in the area.

Mr Jones had been for a drink in the Beaufort pub and left at about 10pm. Landlady Patsy Hall said: "I knew him as a very helpful, nice, quiet person."

Mr Jones did voluntary work with homeless people and those with drug problems.

Chippenham Rugby Club has expressed its sadness at Mr Jones's death.

Former chairman Rod Turvey, who played with Mr Jones in the 1980s, said he played in the back row for the club until he was in his late 20s.

Mr Turvey said: "He was one of those guys who plays rugby, has a few beers and you don't know much about his private life."

Police contacted Mr Jones's family, who live in the Chippenham area, and told them of his death earlier this week.