A BIRKENHEAD man is in a serious condition in hospital after men armed with a baseball bat and large knife forced their way into a Wirral home on Monday night.

The 34-year-old man suffered cuts to his face and injuries to the back of his head after the two men forced their way into a property on Alfred Road at around 8.10pm.

Once inside the offenders confronted two men – aged 25 and 34- who were inside the property and assaulted the 34-year-old in the hallway.

They then fled the scene and drove away in a dark coloured Ford Focus after being joined by two other men.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment where he remains in a serious but stable condition.  

Police have since arrested a 30-year-old man from the Woodchurch area on suspicion of assault. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Paul Parry from Birkenhead CID said the motive for the assault was still under investigation but that an incident the previous night in Grange Road East may be linked.

He said: "This was a particularly disturbing incident carried out by these offenders who have been aggressive and violent towards these men hospitalising one of them.

"I am urging anyone who may have information about this incident to make contact with us immediately so that we can bring these men to justice.

"The offenders drove off in a dark-coloured Focus similar to a car that was seen in Grange Road East at around the 7.45pm on Sunday night when two groups of men were involved in an altercation. I am also keen to hear from anyone who saw the people involved in that incident, or the incident in Alfred Road the night after.

"We are pursuing several lines of enquiry regarding possible motives but we do believe the vehicle to be linked to both incidents.

"Crimes of this nature are quite rare and thankfully the victim of this assault is receiving treatment in hospital and his condition is not life-threatening.

"The police will not tolerate violent incidents of this nature on the streets of our communities and I would urge anyone with information about either of these incidents that could help us to come forward."

Anyone with information should contact Wirral CID on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111