A DAD was subjected to a 'horrific and violent attack' in his own home in Leigh.

The man, his partner and three children, aged 12, 15 and 18 were woken by a loud bang downstairs at around 11.40pm on Wednesday.

Four masked men burst into the victim’s bedroom and punched, kicked and smashed a vase over the head of the man. 

The intruders then went into another bedroom and attacked the victim's family before stealing property - cash, a mobile phone and an MP3 player - and escaping from the house on Coronation Drive, Higher Folds. 

No one else was hurt but the man suffered a cut to his head and bruising to his face and body.

The men are described as being between 5ft 7in and 5ft 10in tall, having local accents and all were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

Det Con David Fairhurst, of Wigan division, said: "A group of four masked men forced their way into a family home and attacked a family, before stealing from them.

"This was a horrific and violent attack and a terrifying experience for the victims, who are understandably distraught by this event.

"We're urging anyone who may have seen a group of men acting suspiciously in the area to contact police immediately, as we want to find the offenders as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 7225 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.