POLICE have appealed for the public to help them find a hammer used in a violent attack on a man.

The 26-year-old, who suffered a severe head injury, has now been released from hospital following the assault on Thursday afternoon.

The attack happened in the Canal Walk area, near the front of House of Fraser, at about 4pm when the town centre would have been busy with shoppers.

A 31-year-old man has been arrested as a result of the incident and police are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area between 3.45pm and 4.15pm that day.

DC Don Pocock, of Swindon CID, said: "The victim has quite a nasty injury around the area of the eye where he was hit with the hammer.

"He received hospital treatment and he is safe and well now.

"We have a man in custody and we would like any witnesses to come forward."

It is believed the victim knew the three men and one woman involved in the assault, although it is thought only one man actually carried out the attack.

CCTV from House of Fraser has been seized and police were carrying out further inquiries yesterday.

DC Tony Mitchell said: "The weapon, believed to be a hammer, is still outstanding and we make an appeal for anyone finding a discarded weapon to leave it in situ and contact the police immediately.

"There was a lot people around at the time of the incident and we urge anyone, who either witnessed the assault or has any information which may be relevant to the investigation, to come forward."

The victim was treated at the Great Western Hospital for his injuries.

The assailant is described as wearing casual clothing.

A 31-year-old man from Park South is in custody, having been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

He is still being questioned by police.

Anyone with information on the attack should call DC Mitchell at Swindon police on 0845 408 7000, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.