THREE balaclava-clad men armed with bats and hammers smashed their way into a home in Banbury and attacked the victim asleep inside.

Thames Valley Police said the burglars smashed the front door of the home in Merton Street to get in, before carrying out a 'brutal attack' on the 31-year-old.

It happened in the early hours of Sunday, shortly after midnight, when the intruders left and the victim managed to stumble outside to alert neighbours.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Bryan Groves of Force CID at Banbury said: "This was a brutal attack in the victims' own home.

"It has left him feeling very frightened for his safety."

The man was taken to the Horton General Hospital with a head injury and has since been discharged.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 referencing 43180104142