POLICE are are appealing for information after a man in his 40s was assaulted during an aggravated burglary in Melksham on February 3.

The victim, of Beanacre Road, suffered a cut to his forehead after his attacker hit him with a baseball bat after knocking on his door after 8pm on that Wednesday.

A man, who was dressed in black and wearing a balaclava over his face, ran off along Beanacre Road and down the alleyway towards Portman Road, off the junction with Scotland Road.

Det Con Jo Chesshire, from Devizes CID, said: "This was an apparently random attack and it was extremely lucky that the victim wasn't more seriously injured.

"We understand this is worrying for the local community, but we would like to reassure people that it was an isolated incident and we are working hard to understand exactly what happened and find the person responsible."

The suspect is described as in his 20s, around 5ft 9ins to 5ft 10ins tall, of slim build and dressed in black, wearing a balaclava.

Anyone with information should call Det Con Chesshire 1635 on 101, or  call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.