A MAN was stabbed in the leg when a gang of five intruders burst into a Bury hostel.

A 53-year-old man and 49-year-old man were attacked at the hostel in Cateaton Street at 9.20pm on January 15.

The men had been watching TV with a friend, a 22-year-old, when there was a knock at the door.

Five men then burst into the room, assaulting the 53-year-old and 49-year-old and stealing their cash.

The older man was stabbed with a kitchen knife in the back of his left leg, just under his buttocks, with the wound requiring several stitches.

Detective Constable Gordon Milne of Bury CID said: "As a result of this robbery, one of the victims suffered a very deep wound to the back of his leg which needed hospital treatment and several stitches.

"Our investigation is now focusing on identifying who these five men were and why they targeted this hostel in particular.

"I would urge anyone who has information about this robbery to come forward."

One of the offenders is described as white, 6ft tall, in his early 20s and of a medium build, with brown hair cut short at the back and sides. He was wearing a black body warmer and blue jeans, and spoke with a Liverpudlian accent.

Another of the gang was described as white, with short hair, piercing eyes and clean shaven and tiny holes across his face.

The accommodation in Cateaton Street is run by the Bail Accommodation Support Services (BASS) by supporting housing company Home Group.

BASS provides accommodation to people who would normally be living in the community on bail or curfew, or are awaiting trial, but do not have a suitable address or need extra support.

Jolan Gergely, head of BASS, said: “Our residents were enjoying a quiet evening at home when they answered a knock at the door. They were confronted by an armed gang who forced their way into their home and robbed them.

“Our BASS service provides private shared accommodation where up to three people live as ‘housemates’. We’re supporting our residents and working with the police to identify those responsible for this crime.”

Mr Gergely said BASS properties are not bail hostels and are shared private accommodation with no more than three occupants.

BASS does not provide accommodation to anyone who has a conviction, caution, or current allegation of any sexual offences.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.