A MAN is recovering in hospital after being attacked by a gang armed with a handgun.

Detectives are investigating after the 34-year-old was left with bruising to his head and chest and a stab wound to his leg.

It is not known if the three men responsible used a knife or another sharp instrument to inflict the injury in his left thigh.

Police believe one of the gang was brandishing a handgun which may have been used to cause the injuries around the victim's body, although it was not fired.

The victim, who had been visiting friends in their home in Dempsey Close in Sholing, Southampton, managed to escape in his car and once he had fled the area called 999.

Paramedics responded and took him to hospital after calling in police following the incident around 10.20pm on Monday night.

Officers are waiting to interview the man who was last night still in hospital receiving treatment.

They have also appealed for witnesses who may have seen the three men, who were all black.

A man and a woman, both aged in their 30s, are in custody having been arrested in relation to the assault.

Contact Det Sgt Dave Jackson on 0845 045 4545.