A knife-wielding gang left a man in hospital after attacking him outside a Swindon pub. 

A man in his 20s was with a group of men outside the Deers Leap pub in Penhill on Friday at around 11.30pm.

They were then approached by another group that was reported to be carrying knives and wearing balaclavas.

This resulted in a man in his 20s suffering a large wound to his leg and he was then taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries.

Wiltshire Police have described the attack as a 'serious incident' and is now asking for the public's help to try and help catch the people responsible. 

This comes on the eve of new figures from the Office of National Statistics showing that violent crimes and crimes involving weapons are on the rise in the county and the percentage of crimes involving a knife specifically rising by 14 per cent compared to the previous year.

In response, Wiltshire Police has promised a four-week-long intensive crackdown on violence and use of weapons in Swindon. 

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: "If you saw what happened, or can help with our enquiries, please contact us on 101 quoting reference 54230044847.