A MURDER investigation has been launched after a 40-year-old man died today following an attack in the town centre on Bank Holiday Monday.

The local man, originally from Poland, sustained a serious injury as a result of the assault, which is believed to have taken place near to the water fountain by Topshop and Vodafone store at about 2.20am.

He was taken to Great Western Hospital and later transferred to Southmead Hospital in Bristol where he died this evening.

Formal identification is in the process of being completed and next of kin have been informed.

Wiltshire Police has now formally started a murder investigation which is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Jeremy Carter, of the Brunel Major Crime Investigation Team.

DCI Carter said: “I would like to reassure the local community that we have a team of specialist officers and staff investigating this incident, and we are currently analysing extensive CCTV footage from the area to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“We believe an incident took place amongst a number of people, all believed to be Polish, during which, the victim has been assaulted.

“This was a Bank Holiday Monday, therefore, the area would have been busier than usual.

"I would like to appeal to anyone who was in the area of Bridge Street, Canal Walk, The Parade or Regent Street between the hours of 11pm on Sunday and 3am on Monday to please call police immediately on 101.

"Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously if preferred. Any information you have, no matter how small, may be significant to our investigation.

“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my condolences to the family of the victim at this difficult time.”