A MAN was taken to hospital with injuries to his head and ribs after a vicious hammer attack by three youths on his own doorstep.

The 41-year-old victim, who has not been named by police, was assaulted after answering the door of the house in Parkinson Street, Burnley, at 2am today to be confronted by three men. Two of the gang were armed with hammers.

They attacked the man causing injuries to his temple, forehead and suspected cracked ribs.

His wife was in tears when she answered the door today and said she was too afraid to give her husband's name. She said: "I am too upset to talk about it. I am frightened about what might happen."

Her husband is still in hospital and she is now being cared for by her family.

Police are carrying out extensive inquiries in the area.

Det Sgt Steve Mounsey said: "This is certainly a vicious and nasty attack. At this stage we don't know the reason for it, there was no attempt at robbery that we know of."

Detectives were hoping to interview the victim in hospital today.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information relating to the incident to contact Burnley CID on 01282 472144 or to ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.