Malmesbury is not known for being a violent or intolerant place, but the attack outside the Kings Arms show that there are some who are determined to buck the trend.

The victim of the attack, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that the response from the community at large had been amazingly supportive.

So far the victim said she had received countless messages of support on Facebook and in the street and had received seven bunches of flowers from well wishers throughout the town.

She also paid tribute to the staff and new landlord Jack Lee at the Kings Arms, who looked after her following the attack, and explained that the attack was nothing to do with those drinking inside.

Although the thugs who carried out this vile attack have not yet been caught by police the whole town is behind the search effort.

The very fact that the attack was reported after someone heard the group boasting later in the evening shows how responsible people in Malmesbury can be and how far they will go to do the right thing.

If the culprits are arrested and the case makes it to a trial then it will be intriguing to hear the defence of the attackers and to see what punishment is handed down.

Whether or not all five of those in the group were involved in the beating all of them should examine their conscience and come forward to police with names.