Detectives are appealing for information after a man from Wigan was assaulted in his own home in front of his toddler

Shortly before 11pm on Wednesday 21 April 2021, police were called to reports of an aggravated burglary on Tenbury Drive in Ashton-in-Makerfield.

Enquires have established that four men - who were wielding a machete and a sledgehammer - smashed the victim's car which was parked outside before smashing a window and forcing entry to the house.

The victim - a 29-year-old man - was home at the time along with his toddler.

The offenders entered the property and assaulted the victim, striking him with the machete. Thankfully the child was not injured.

Emergency services attended and the man was taken to hospital with injuries to his leg and hands. He has since been discharged.

No arrests have been made and an investigation is underway.

Enquiries are currently ongoing in regards to stolen property.

The men have been described as being dressed in all black and wearing balaclavas at the time of the incident.

Detective Constable Paul Sumner, of GMP's Wigan district, said: "This is a shocking incident where a man was brutally assaulted in his own home in front of his young toddler who was present in the room at the time.

"This was a terrifying ordeal, and I understand that this incident may understandably cause alarm within the local community. I would like to reassure residents that we are treating this incident seriously and will have an increased police presence in the area as we continue our investigation.

"If anyone saw anything suspicious around the time of this incident, or has any information at all, please contact police immediately as even the smallest piece of information could play a vital part in helping us to bring these offenders to justice."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 7264, quoting incident number 3442 of 21/04/2021.

Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.