A MAN’S finger was cut off in an axe attack as he tried to defend himself.

James Ward, a dad-of-six, is in hiding after being released from hospital following surgery to reattach one finger and treatment to several other fingers that were left hanging off.

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Doctors also used 38 staples to seal wounds in his head, legs, and back.

Mr Ward, 31, said he was now too afraid to return to his Penistone Street home in Burnley to see his children because he fears his attackers will kill him.

He said: “I’m too scared to go back. I think they thought the job was done.”

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James said he was painting his kitchen claret and blue just after midnight when he heard a crunching noise at the front of the house.

He said: “I ran towards the front door and turned to talk to my four friends who were there when the door went through. I was hit in the back with an axe.

“All the others ran upstairs. After they cut my finger off there was a lot of blood so I think panic set in.”

As James put his hands up to protect himself, his left index finger was chopped off, while several others were also partially severed.

The pair then struck him repeatedly on his arms, head, legs, and back.

James said: “I’m only a few stone wet through and they could have beaten me up with just their hands. I was on the floor when they hit me in the head with the axe.

“And if the axe had been sharp instead of blunt, they would have chopped my arm off.”

“I don’t know why they stopped. They said if I went to the police they would kill me.

“I have done things in the past but nothing to warrant this attack.”

The frenzy was finally over when James dragged himself to safety under a kitchen counter. He stumbled outside and was spotted by a neighbour, who called the emergency services.

James said: “I was woozy because I had lost a lot of blood. My neighbour asked if I was all right and I was saying, ‘I can’t find my finger’.”

James was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital before being transferred to Preston, where he was kept for treatment and his own safety until his family could fetch him and take him to his hometown of Manchester, where he is now recovering from the ordeal.

He said: “I’m having to get my mum to help me wash. I feel like a child again.

“I feel like crying all the time and I can’t go out on my own. I’m too scared to go and see my own children.

“I can’t get it out my head. I can’t sleep at night and I don’t know what to do.”

Detectives investigating the ‘targeted’ attack on Saturday, April 4, have now pleaded for anybody with information to come forward as the search for the bloodied weapons continues.

James said: “Near to my house is spare ground, a lot of woodland and the canal so they might have thrown them in there.”

Det Sgt Alisa Wilson said: “This was a horrific attack on a young man in his own home which was isolated, targeted and planned.

“I am appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the offence, the aftermath or has any information in connection with it to make contact. “Despite charges being brought against one man, the investigation is continuing and I am appealing for witnesses to come forward.”

* A 23-year-old man appeared before magistrates in Burnley yesterday (MON) charged with aggravated burglary and grievous bodily harm (GBH).

He was remanded in custody and will make his next appearance at Burnley Crown Court at 9.30am on Thursday, May 7.

A 22-year-old man was also arrested, and was later released on bail pending further enquiries.