Hammer attack appeal

DETECTIVES have appealed for the help of Grotton residents to help them trace weapons used in a horrific hammer attack with left a Saddleworth man needing hospital treatment.

They want to find two metal bars, about 19in long, a sledgehammer, balaclava and gloves after a 32-year-old man was attacked in front of his wife in their own home.

The incident happened last Wednesday at around 11pm when three masked men burst into the couple’s home in Grotton Meadows.

The victim and his wife went downstairs to check on the noise and one of the men hit him with a hammer, causing injuries to his arm and face before the attacker and his accomplices ran off.

The man was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries and is now recovering at home.

Detectives investigating the incident believe the items used in the attack may have been discarded in Grotton and are asking members of the public to keep an eye out for them.

Three men, aged 19, 18 and 17 were arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and have been bailed until August 5 pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DS Alison Whittaker on 0161-856 8951, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.