A TEENAGER viciously attacked for wearing a cowboy hat in Chippenham has said the town is becoming a hotspot for violent young gangs.

Simon Messenger, 17, a pupil at Hardenhuish School, had been on a quiet night out with a friend when he was beaten up as he crossed the Town Bridge at about 8.30pm on Saturday.

The pair were passing a gang of about 50 people, aged between 14-17, when one of the group snatched Simon's hat and started throwing it around.

"There were so many of them I picked up my phone and said I was going to call the police," he said, "They started hurling insults at me and then threw my hat into the river.

"I got very annoyed at that. Then they nicked the phone out of my hand and threw that into the river. Then up to 15 of them started laying into me.

"Part of me was trying to hit back but I couldn't because they were attacking me from all sides and I was too busy trying to defend myself.

"After the attack I just thought well that's it, I can't even go out for a quiet night without getting beaten up and I can't dress a bit differently."

After passing out at the police station, Simon had to be treated at the Royal United Hospital, Bath, for a fractured cheekbone, broken bones around his eye and severe swelling. He was due to have a check-up yesterday to see if he needs surgery.

He believes the youths who attacked him were acting out of boredom and said for a long time his family and friends had been avoiding walking into the town centre because of the gangs.

"We do get a lot of trouble from kids in the town. I've had problems before," he said.

"Chippenham is one of the fastest growing towns in Europe. There's been a stream of people coming in but they are not building the facilities to accommodate the people.

"There are not enough opportunities for young people and what exists is dangerously under funded. When there is nothing to do teenagers end up hanging around and attacking people."

The assault has left Simon From page 1 feeling scared to go out and has also had a knock-on effect on all aspects of his life.

He was due to take up a new A-level subject on Monday but fears if he does need an operation he will miss too much school and may have to put off going to university.

He has also had to take leave from his Saturday job as a receptionist until the bruising vanishes and so will have to cancel planned driving lessons and possibly a tour with his band.

Inspector Neil Bagnall, of Chippenham police, said he accepted the town was growing and had become a popular place for young people to gather.

"Some do consume alcohol which we are aware of and we do take regular action to remove that from them. However, we do see on occasions unfortunate incidents such as the one with Simon and we are making active inquiries to seek out those that are responsible for the assault," he said.

"I don't totally agree there is nothing for young people to engage in. The Bridge Youth Centre provides a number of activities and is well attended by a number of people."

Chippenham mayor Cllr Maureen Lloyd said measures were in place to remedy some of the town's problems with young people but admitted such measures took time to have effect.

"I've no reason to think it's any more than alcohol-fuelled behaviour. I would like to think that I can walk through the town and feel safe," she said.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to Saturday's attack to contact them.