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Thursday, November 20, 2008, 20:20
The 33-year-old Swindon man could have died after he was ambushed by a group of suspected football hooligans after a match at the County Ground on Saturday.
The sickening and cowardly assault saw Mr Howe hammered to the ground with the bar before four to five yobs took it in turns to kick and punch him.
Since then he has been at the intensive care unit at Swindon's Great Western Hospital and will be on a dialysis machine during a slow and painful recovery for the next few weeks.
Police were working on the theory that Mr Howell, who was walking from the Walkabout bar in the town centre, was attacked by local thugs who thought he was a Leicester City fan.
Last night they appealed for witnesses following the sickening attack by a group of white men in Manchester Road, close to the County Ground, at around 5.20pm.
The victim, who had not been to the match, had just crossed the road near the junction with Gladstone Street when he was hit about the body five or six times with an iron bar, then punched and kicked to the ground.
During the attack, which lasted a couple of minutes, nothing was said and the offenders then walked off towards Swindon town centre.
Mr Howe, who had been on his way to meet a friend, managed to pick himself up and stumble home to call for help.
Detective Inspector Adrian Davis who is leading the investigation said: "This was a cowardly attack by a group of thugs on a defenceless male.
"I am aware that Swindon Town's match against Leicester City had ended a short while before and that there were a number of people in the area making their way home.
"I know that there were some incidents of disorder following the game. I have a theory that the victim was mistaken for a Leicester City supporter and attacked by a group of people intent on assaulting a rival fan, but I am keeping an open mind"
PC James Neighbour, Wiltshire's football intelligence officer, said: "I am working closely with the investigation team to vigorously pursue those responsible.
"The vast majority of people who attend football matches do so peacefully, but unfortunately it's the small minority who spoil things."
The four to five men are described as being white, early 20's, wearing dark coloured jackets and baseball caps. At least two were wearing the Stone Island brand of jackets.
Mr Howe in hospital
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