A MAN was seriously injured after a gang burst into his Burnley home and attacked him with an iron bar.

Burnley Crown Court heard victim Shaun Harrison suffered a "worrying,"deep scalp laceration needing 37 stitches as well as a gash to his lower back.

He was paid an unexpected visit by Steven Skelly, 26, ex-soldier Daniel Lawton, 23 and a third, unidentified man.

Lawon, who had been armed with the weapon, had only days earlier been discharged from the Army on medical grounds.

Sentencing the duo, Judge Lesley Newton said they were very lucky Mr Harrison's injuries were not more serious.

She added he was hit repeatedly with the bar and custody was the only option open to the court.

Skelly, of Thursby Road, and Lawton, of Grassington Drive, both Burnley, had earlier admitted unlawful wounding, last June 18.

David Pickup, prosecuting, said Mr Harrison, who lived in Wycollar Avenue, Burnley, had borrowed £100 from Skelly. He had intended to pay it back but had not then done so.

He was at home around 9pm when there was a knock at his door. He answered it and saw the defendants and another man. Skelly asked for the money but Mr Harrison said he did not have it.

Lawton had what looked like a cosh. Mr Harrison dashed upstairs and the three men went up after him.

The third man scuffled on the bed with the victim, who then felt blows to the back of his head, apparently inflicted by Lawton.

Roger Baldwin, for Skelly, said the defendant had gone to collect the debt and was not aware Lawton had the iron bar.

Anthony Cross, defending Lawton, told the court although there was evidence Lawton had been holding the bar at the house ,the evidence was silent as to who used it.