A man has been left “fighting for his life” and has had “half of his skull” removed during surgery after being attacked with a screwdriver.

Jamie Chappell was rushed to hospital following the incident, where he underwent a five-hour procedure.

James Denys, 36, has been charged with grievous bodily harm in what the police have labelled a “serious assault.”

A spokesman for Mr Chappell told the Swindon Advertiser: “Jamie is one of the kindest, most gentle souls you could ever meet.

“He left for work on the morning of Thursday 23rd July like any other day, never imagining that within hours he would be fighting for his life.

“Every hour is a battle and our family continues to live with the uncertainty, fear and heartbreak that no family should ever have to endure.”

Emergency services rushed to the Widham Gardens building site where Mr Chappell was stabbed.

He was taken to Southmead Hospital where staff worked to save his life following the attack.

Denys, of Ravensdale, East Wichel, appeared in court and was charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm.

He has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on Saturday.

An additional suspect was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, but they were later released.

Detective Chief Inspector Deb Hatch said the event was a “serious incident” and expressed her sympathies to the family.

She encouraged witnesses to contact police to aid with the investigation.

People with information can contact 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800555111.