A 22-YEAR-OLD Chippenham man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was found dead in the town this morning.

Police were called to London Road following reports of an assault at 12.20am where they found a 38-year-old local man on the floor with significant injuries.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 22-year-old man was arrested less than an hour later on suspicion of murder and remains in custody at Melksham Police Station.

London Road has been closed from the junction with Avenue La Fleche and Blackcross while Crime Scene Investigators attend the scene to carry out a detailed investigation.

The road is expected to remain closed for the duration of today.

Detective Inspector Jim Taylor, of the Brunel Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “We are at the very early stages of the investigation, however, we believe this is an isolated attack and we would like to reassure the local community that we are carrying out a thorough investigation.

“We are in the process of informing the next of kin of the deceased and although formal identification has not yet taken place, we believe he is a Chippenham man. Our thoughts are with his family at this extremely difficult time.

“We would like to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed an assault in the area of London Road around midnight to please get in touch, if you have not already spoken to police.

“Did you see or hear any suspicious behaviour prior to this time? You could have vital information.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.