YOUTHS left a barman almost blinded in a drive-by shooting with a paintball gun as they cruised the streets in a car aiming for unsupecting victims.

Tony Blackford was cycling home after work along Bridge End Road at around 12.30am on Sunday night when he was shot three times, twice in the ribs and once in the face, by a passing car.

Temporarily blinded, the 25-year-old flagged down another motorist who called for an ambulance, which took him to Great Western Hospital for treatment.

The same night police arrested a 19-year-old local man on suspicion of ABH following a similar attack in Alba Close, Middleleaze, reportedly involving a BB gun.

It is understood that incident may be linked to reports of two other shootings across the town, including Tony’s.

Tony, of Gorse Hill, who has moderate learning difficulties, said: “I finished work and was half way home when I heard bang, bang, bang.

“The car came from behind me and I could not see anything.”

Tony needed to visit an eye specialist at GWH to see if there is any lasting damage from the incident.

His nan Jeanette Blackford, 71, said her grandson was lucky not to blinded in the frenzied attack as one paintball hit him just millimetres from his right eye.

“We thought his nose was broken,” Jeanette, of Old Town, said.

“He had oil from green paint in his eyes and could’ve been blinded.

“He normally wears glasses for reading so it was lucky he wasn’t wearing them. He’s very quiet at the moment.

“He’s never caused any trouble and has done remarkably well to hold down a job since leaving school.

“He went and got the job at the Dockle Farmhouse by himself and he works so hard.

“Now this happens and he is terrified of going out.

“He could not see the car or anything – he was covered in paint and blood.

“You can’t print what I think of the people that did this – if only I could get hold of them. I hope the police throw the book at them.”

A police spokesman said: “We arrested a 19-year-old male for an incident in Alba Close involving a BB gun. The car involved was a Renault Clio.

“We had three reports but the man has been arrested only in relation to one.

“We are keeping an open mind as the other reports are very similar.”

Anyone with any information should contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.