POLICE are appealing for information as they investigate the assault of a vulnerable adult in Trowbridge which has been seen widely on social media over the last week.

The incident which happened between 7pm and 8pm on June 12 around Wicker Hill and Church Street was filmed on a mobile phone and posted online, prompting a large amount of interest from the public.

Inspector Andy Fee, from the Wiltshire West Community Policing Team, said: “This callous and cowardly assault on a clearly vulnerable adult has understandably caused outrage and anger amongst the people of Trowbridge and those who have viewed the video further afield.

“I want to reassure everyone that this is an incident we have been taking seriously and we have been carrying out wide ranging enquiries to fully investigate the circumstances of the assault.

“We have viewed the video, however further evidence needs to be gathered. I understand why people will feel frustrated, but we need to follow the proper procedures to fully investigate the crime.”

The victim, who sustained a minor injury, is being supported by police but at this stage does not want to make a complaint about the assault.

Insp Fee has also appealed to the public to refrain from sharing the video online and commenting about the incident and those involved.

He said: “We are currently having to deal with a huge amount of abuse and threats being directed at people connected with the incident. This is not only unacceptable behaviour which the police cannot and will not tolerate, but it is diverting resources away from investigating the initial crime.

“I am urging everyone to remain calm and allow us to do our job. Sharing the video and writing threatening messages online only hampers our investigation – interfering with our efforts to safeguard the victim and could cause issues if a case is brought to court in the future.”

Anyone who witnessed the assault or who has information which could assist with the investigation is asked to contact PC Charly Chilton on 101, quoting crime reference number 54180053387. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.