A MAN has been left with severe injuries following a "vicious" and targeted aggravated burglary in Taunton.

Three men aged 30, 22 and 31, are believed to have carried out the attack at the victim's home near Victoria Park at around 6.20am yesterday, June 30.

Police have thanked a neighbour who stepped in to stop the attack and managed to get the men to leave.

He managed to divert their attentions away from the victim and sustained minor injuries himself.

The victim was left with severe injuries to his face and body. 

Police were alerted and managed to arrest three men within two hours of the incident. 

DC Richard Brunsdon, from Somerset Investigations, said: “Whilst this was a vicious and unpleasant incident, I want to reassure the community in Taunton that this wasn’t a random occurrence.

"We believe this was a targeted attack and that all the parties involved were already known to each other and the incident occurred due to an on-going issue between them. This isn’t something that would have affected the wider community.

“We want to thank the neighbours who alerted us to the incident and dialled 999. One of them did sustain some minor injuries, but they most likely stopped the victim from receiving further wounds. He was very brave.”

The men are currently in custody at Bridgwater Police Centre.

If you have information about this incident, please call DC Brunsdon on the 101 number, quoting reference 5216142764. Alternatively you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

They never ask your name or trace your call and you could earn a cash reward.

Always dial 999 in an emergency.