Men critical after house attack

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A man is fighting for his life in hospital after being attacked by a gang of four men at a house in Manchester.

The gang - armed with a baseball bat, a wheel brace and an axe - burst into the house in Moston on Thursday night and attacked the man and two women inside.

A 67-year-old neighbour heard screams from the house and went to help, but was also severely beaten.

Police are appealing for witnesses and said the men were all wearing grey hooded tops and dark clothing.

Police were called to the house on Hillier Street North following reports of the assault at about 2240 BST on Thursday.

Both men are currently at North Manchester General Hospital being treated for serious head injuries.

'Sheer violence'

The 30-year-old man has life-threatening head injuries and remains in a critical but stable condition.

The 67-year-old has severe injuries to his face, including a number of broken bones, as a result of the attack.

Police said the two women suffered serious cuts and had at least 30 stitches to head wounds. They have been discharged from hospital.

Det Sgt Shagufta Khan, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "This was an incredibly vicious assault which has left four people permanently scarred.

"The younger man has a serious head injury caused by the sheer violence of being beaten by those weapons, and we are really concerned for him.

"We'd appeal for anyone who might have seen these men leaving or arriving at the house on Thursday night to come forward."