A MAN has been attacked in his own home by three men brandishing a baseball bat.

The man, aged 20, said in a statement to police that he had been chased back to his home on Monks Way, Swathling at about midnight on Friday.

Although the man made it back to his home the trio proceeded to smash their way through the front door and began beating him with a wooden plank, believed to be a baseball bat. He suffered bruising to his body.

After attacking him the gang turned their attention to his furniture and personal belongings.

Police have described the attack that happened between midnight and 12.30am on Saturday morning as a violent assault and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Constable Ally Hibberd said: "It's the type of incident that any neighbouring resident would have heard or even seen something.

"So we urge anyone who saw anything to come forward. They can do so anonymously if they prefer.

"We believe these men were involved in an incident earlier on in the evening at a nearby pub and we are studying CCTV footage from the pub.

"We do need to speak to any witnesses to this attack. It was a violent assault and we need to find those responsible. There are young families in the area so we want to put a stop to this sort of violence."

Descriptions of the men have been issued in a bid to trace the trio - all aged between 20 and 25.

The first man is described as white, around 5ft 10in, of medium build with blonde hair and wearing a white short-sleeved shirt with a collar.

The second man is described as white, 6ft 2in with short dark hair, of stocky build and with a round face and wearing a dark blue top. The third man is also white and around 5ft 10in.

Contact Det Con Hibberd at Bitterne CID on 0845 045 4545 with information.