A MAN was badly beaten by three young men during an early morning attack in Clanfield in which a gun was allegedly brandished.

Two women in their 20s were also attacked at around 1am on Saturday, March 23, on New Road, with one of the victims later taking to social media to warn villagers about the attackers.

"Myself, partner and friend got attacked last night in the early hours of the morning up Drift Lane by three young males," wrote the victim on Facebook.

"My partner was badly beaten and they pulled a gun out on us.

"Could my friends from the Clanfield area please share to spread awareness. You never think it will happen to you, but police are involved and hopefully they will be caught."

The police could not verify that a gun was brandished, but have confirmed they are investigating an assault against a 26-year-old man. The victim, who needed hospital attention for sustained bruising to his face, was walking along New Road with two women when they were approached by three men.

A spokeswoman for the police said: "The men assaulted the victim by punching and kicking him.

"The victim says during the assault, he reached out towards one of the men and felt what he believes was a gun."

All the attackers, who made off after the assault, were slim white males in their 20s and were all around six feet tall. The first had short bright blonde hair while the other two had short brown hair.

Police have carried out door-to-door enquiries following the incident, which has not been linked to the axe-wielding incident at South Lane Meadow in November which involved three youths.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting 44190100910 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.