A 15-year-old boy has been arrested after a violent late-night hammer attack on Melksham High Street in Wiltshire left a man injured and hospitalized, police confirmed.
The assault occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday, October 18, when the victim encountered two males dressed in black and riding bicycles. During the altercation, one of the suspects struck the man with a hammer.
Emergency services responded to the scene at approximately 12:04 a.m., transporting the victim to the hospital. Fortunately, he has since been discharged; his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, and he is currently recovering at home.
READ MORE: Wellington’s New Dental Practice to Significantly Boost NHS Appointments Before Christmas
READ MORE: Playing Fields at Holyrood Academy to Make Way for New Primary School in Chard
Wiltshire Police have confirmed the arrest of the 15-year-old on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. He has been released on bail pending further investigation. Meanwhile, the second suspect remains at large, and police are actively working to locate him.
Despite the severity of the incident, police emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the public. Detective Chief Inspector Penny Andrews addressed community concerns, stating, “This was an isolated incident with no risk to the wider public. We appreciate the cooperation of witnesses who have come forward, and urge anyone with relevant information or dashcam footage, especially from those who were in Melksham during the early hours of Saturday, to contact us.”
Authorities request that anyone with information contact Wiltshire Police via 101, quoting crime reference 54250138927.