AN elderly man was attacked by machete-wielding thugs in his home.

The 70-year-old, of Bury and Bolton Road, Radcliffe, suffered injuries to both his arms in the horrific attack at 7.30am on Sunday.

Three men kicked down the front door to gain entry to the house and demanded the keys to the couple’s cars – a Mercedes and a Golf – before escaping.

UPDATE: Three men arrested by police over 'extremely violent' machete raids

His wife, aged 70, who did not want to be named, said it had been a terrifying incident. She said: "They kicked down the front door and came in. My husband was already up and I was still in bed, but I heard the noise and a lot of shouting so I came downstairs. It seemed like there was about six men but I have since been told it was three. They were all stood there in hoodies. One was shouting to my husband to give him the keys to the cars and he had a machete in his hand. I shouted to my husband to give him the keys and then they went.”

The Mercedes was found dumped by police in nearby Starling Road– and three men have since been arrested in connection with the incident. Police arrested them nearby trying to steal another car.

The 70-year-old man, who has lived at the property with his wife for 25 years, was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital and kept in overnight, but his injuries are not believed to be serious.

His wife added: “They think he might have had some damage to his ligaments but thankfully it isn’t serious.

"We have been broken into before but never have we come face to face with someone. It was the shock more than anything.

"You don't know what to feel at the time and I've just been trying to keep myself busy since.”

A 67-year-old neighbour said he was shocked to hear of the incident.

He added: “It is a bit alarming. People walking around in broad day light armed with a machete- well they are obviously intent on doing some damage.Thankfully it doesn't seem like he is too badly injured. It is shocking and doesn't make you feel very relaxed in your surroundings."

Anyone with information can call police on 101.