BALACLAVA-CLAD men used a claw hammer to attack a pensioner in his own home during a house burglary.

Police were called to Accrington at around 6.45pm last Sunday after three men, posing as pizza delivery men, broke into the 66-year-old's home on Burnley Road.

One of the men was carrying three pizza boxes and as the occupant has gone to answer the door, the burglars forced their way inside the property.

They made demands for money and attacked the homeowner with a claw hammer, causing a serious head injury. Police said nothing was taken.

DC Phil Wilkins, of Burnley CID, described the attack as brutal and said: "We’re committed to finding who is responsible."

Detectives have today launched an appeal to trace the whereabouts of three men in connection with the attack.

One of the men has been described as Asian, in his 20s, of stocky build. He wore black clothing and had a scarf around his face.

The second man has been described as white, around 5ft 10 inches tall. He wore grey clothing and had a scarf around his face.

Police have described the third man as white. He wore dark clothing and a balaclava.

Mr Wilkins added: "If you have any information or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log number 1247 of February 10.