A 35-YEAR-OLD man is recovering after a violent unprovoked attack outside Amesbury library in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Terry Downton was treated in hospital after a thug struck him from behind before subjecting him to a prolonged assault, kicking him "relentlessly" for the next two minutes.

The attack happened after Terry had been on a night out with friends and was sitting by himself on the grass outside the library at around 2.45am.

“It was unprovoked,” he said. “I was sat down by myself and I didn’t see it coming.

“It’s hard to say what I was thinking, as the blows seemed relentless. I just wanted it to stop.

“I think the person who did this is disgusting. I understand that people sometimes feel the need to harm others but kicking somebody in the head is so dangerous.

“The police tell me that the CCTV footage shows that the attack lasted for two minutes.

“Apparently, I have a tough head, somebody else may not have been as lucky as me.”

Terry was taken to Salisbury District Hospital after the attack but despite feeling sore said he is “looking a lot better already”.

He added: “Somehow I have no breaks but severe swelling and bruising.

“Several cuts, most notably some deep cuts across my nose, my left eye.

“My right ear is almost torn in two and my head is covered in lumps. My neck and jaw are very swollen.”

Terry said the care he received at Salisbury District Hospital was, as always, "first class".

“I’ve been overwhelmed with messages of support from people," he said.

“I think it’s important that this kind of thing is prevented from happening to anybody.”

Detectives from Wiltshire Police are currently investigating the incident.

A spokesmen for the force said officers were making enquiries in the area and analysing CCTV footage.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time.

Anyone who has information is asked to contact DC Sarah Chaplin at Salisbury CID on 101.

Or call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 where details may be left anonymously.