A MAN was slashed across the head with a large kitchen knife when a gang forced their way into his home.

The 29-year-old was hit on the head and then cut with the blade when the four men stormed into the property in the early hours of Sunday.

The victim had answered a knock on his front door at around 1.30am.

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The four attackers barged in and stole electrical items.

He was left with a three inch cut on his head and only managed to raise the alarm when he ran to a nearby kebab shop.

He was taken by ambulance to Southampton General Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and later released.

Detectives are now appealing for anyone who knows anything about the crime to contact them. They are also appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the men hanging around the area before or after the incident.

The victim, who lives in Park Road, Freemantle, has told officers that around midnight there had also been a knock at his door. When he answered it a man asked for someone, but went away when told they did not live there.

He believes this man was one of the four who later forced their way in, so it is likely the men may have been in the area for some time prior to the crime.

The men are described as black and wearing dark clothing and scarves, which they used to cover their faces during the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call DC Anton Gaita at Shirley CID on 101 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.