A PAIR of robbers broke into a Bury home and attacked a man with a hammer.

Police were called to the house in Gawthorpe Close, Hollins, shortly after 2.30am today.

On arrival they established two men had forced their way into the house and assaulted the 35-year-old occupant with a hammer.

He has been taken to hospital for treatment to a serious head injury.

A woman and two children were inside the house at the time but were not physically injured.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and those responsible is underway.

Chief Inspector Amber Waywell, of Bury Police, said: “Two men have forced their way into a family home and violently assaulted a man with a deadly weapon.

“He has been hit over the head with a hammer and without question could easily have been killed.

“There appears to have been little or no demand for property or similar so it would seem to be a deliberate and targeted assault.

“It is shocking that anyone is prepared to commit such acts of wanton violence in the first place, let alone in the presence of a mother and her children and we will do everything we can to establish exactly what has gone on and more importantly who is responsible.

“If anyone has any information that can help us I would encourage them to contact us in complete confidence.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8204.