A MAN was left with serious head injuries after being attacked with a hammer in a suspected case of mistaken identity.

Two men forced their way in to a house in Stevenson Way, Wickford at about 8.30am on Tuesday.

They attacked a man aged in his 40s with a hammer, leaving him with severe laceration to the head.

They then turned around and left.

The victim was rushed to Basildon Hospital by paramedics.

He is now recovering at his home, which is in the Basildon area.

The man has told police that he did not know the two men who attacked him.

Police suspect it could be that the attackers went to the wrong house.

Investigating Officer, Dc Greg Fairburn, said: “We’re unsure of the motive behind this home invasion and subsequent assault on this man.

“We’re keen to speak to anyone who may know of one, as well as those who saw these two men walk away from the scene and drive off in a red or maroon car at approximately 8:45am.”

The two men were both wearing hoodies. One man is black while his accomplice is mixed race.

Anyone with information in connection with this assault is urged to contact detectives at Basildon police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.