A MAN had part of his ear sliced off when he was hit over the head with a glass bottle.

Detectives have appealed for witnesses after the assault resulted in the man, 20s, having to go to hospital for treatment. In particular, they want to speak to a man wearing a red jacket who helped the victim and who police believe could be a key witness to the attack.

Two men, aged 21 and 25, have been arrested on suspicion of causing GBH and have been released under investigation.

Wiltshire Police said an argument broke out inside the Messenger pub in Covingham Square at around 11.30pm on Friday, October 19. Two men known to the victim approached him, shouted and one grabbed him around the throat.

When he went to leave the pub and drive home, the man was followed to the car park and struck over the head with a glass bottle.

Det Sgt Scott Anger of Swindon CID said: “This was a nasty assault which has left the victim with a serious injury that will require ongoing medical treatment.

“Although he has been discharged from hospital he will need to return for specialist care and possibly surgery in the future.

“We want to speak to anyone who was in the pub at the time of the initial argument and anyone who was in the overspill car park to the pub and witnessed the assault with the bottle.

“The victim has told us about a man in a red jacket who tried to help him, and we believe this man could be a key witness.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting crime reference 54180099470, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.