POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a pensioner was assaulted during an attempted house burglary in Lymington Bottom, Four Marks, at around 12.40pm on Saturday, November 12.

Three men entered the house and assaulted the homeowner, a man in his 60s, but he managed to activate a panic alarm, which caused the men to drive off.

The homeowner sustained bruising to his head, but nothing was taken from the house.

Detective Constable Tom Prutz said: “This appears to be a targeted incident which took place during in daylight hours.

“I would appeal to anyone in the area around the time of the incident who may have seen what happened, or saw a vehicle being driven away at speed, to contact us.”

Three men aged 31, 20 and 18 have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary. The men, all from Manchester, remain in police custody.

Anyone with information should contact DC Prutz in the Northern Investigation team on 101, alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.