Detectives are investigating after a man was assaulted in his own home in front of his child by men armed with a machete and a sledgehammer.
Police say they were called to reports of an aggravated burglary on Tenbury Drive, in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, just before 11pm last night (Thursday).
So far, they have found that four men, wielding the hammer and a large blade, smashed up the victim's car and then broke a window to enter his home.
They then attacked the man, aged 29, while his toddler watched on from the same room.
The attackers slashed at him with the machete and he was later rushed to hospital with injuries to his legs and hands.
The victim has now been discharged but no arrests have been made.
Police have described the men as being dressed in all black and wearing balaclavas at the time of the attack.
DC 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."
Detectives are also investigating stolen property related to the incident.
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.
