THREE men are in police custody after a break-in at a home in which a man in his 60s was assaulted.

The homeowner at Lymington Bottom, Four Marks sustained bruising to the head during the burglary which took place at 12.40pm on Saturday.

He activated a panic alarm which caused the men to drive off. Nothing was taken from the house.

Detective Constable Tom Prutz said: “I would appeal to anyone in the area around the time of the incident who may have seen what happened, or saw a vehicle being driven away at speed, to contact us.”

Three men, from Manchester, aged 31, 20 and 18 have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

Anyone with information should contact DC Prutz in the Northern Investigation team on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.