A MAN was attacked with a hammer and an axe in what police described as a shocking attack.

Detectives have issued a witness appeal following the aggravated burglary at a house in Talbot Street, Rishton, and are keen to speak to a dog walker who was in the area at the time.

Police said that at around 9.30pm on November 10, the victim, a man in his 20s, heard a knock at the door.

A woman was stood in the doorway and following a brief conversation, three men entered the address, attacking the man with a hammer and axe.

The men took £40, with the victim suffering minor injuries.

The attackers left in a black Volkswagen Bora car, which had been parked in an alleyway behind Talbot Street.

It is thought the woman had left the area before the attack on the man started.

Det Cons Jo Billington said: “This was a shocking incident which left the victim very shaken and requiring medical treatment.

“We believe a dog walker was in the area around the time of the offence and might have witnessed the offenders leaving the scene.

“If this was you, please come forward.”