A WORKER was stabbed twice after a three-man machete wielding gang burst into a Lostock firm.

The raiders attacked and stabbed the 42-year-old employee before ransacking their way through the premises of Mayfair Creative Products in Lynstock Way.

They drove on to the company's forecourt in a blue Volvo at 7.15pm last night.

As a member of staff approached them he was stabbed.

Police say the man, who has not been named, was stabbed twice in the back and left injured on the ground.

The thieves stole a mobile phone, a computer and a silver-coloured BMW car. The W-registration car was still missing this lunchtime.

The injured man was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital. He was released overnight after treatment.

A police spokesman said: "We do not think there has been any cash stolen but it is a very nasty robbery."

A spokesman for Mayfair Creative Products, a company which imports art products and has an office in Hong Kong, said the mood was "tense" at the plant early this morning.

Witnesses are asked to contact Astley Bridge CID on 0161 856 5740 or Crimestoppers on free phone 0800 555 111.