A 52-YEAR-OLD man is recovering after a group of masked men brandishing baseball bats burst into his house early this morning.

Christopher Bradbury, of Vale Street, Turton, heard intruders in his house at around 3.30am and was confronted by three or four men wearing balaclavas.

The group, who got in through a back patio door, threatened Mr Bradbury, hit him with baseball bats around the face and head and demanded money.

The 52-year-old, who is believed to own a finance company, was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary suffering from bruising, but his injuries were not thought to be serious.

Inspector Steve Haworth said: "There were three or four scarved or masked men. The owner was attacked and they demanded money. They got away with a few hundred pounds in cash and some video audio equipment.

"It is believed the offenders may have had a vehicle parked nearby. So any residents who have seen any usual vehicles in the area in the early hours should contact us."

Crime scene investigators have been to the house and inquiries are continuing.

Some of the video equipment was later discovered a mile away from the house.