A man was left injured after a 'ferocious' attack on his doorstep in Dawlish, while his partner and two young children were asleep inside.

The suspects fled from the scene leaving a trail of blood as they ran away and police are appealing for witnesses to the attack in the early hours of Saturday 13 September (just after midnight).

Officers say that two men walked through the centre of Dawlish armed with weapons.

They went to a property in Plantation Terrace and attacked a man with weapons, including a baseball bat, on his doorstep whilst his partner and two young children were asleep inside.

The victim, in his 20s, is being treated in hospital for facial, arm, hand and leg injuries.

Two men, aged 25 and 30, from Dawlish, were arrested on suspicion of assault and remain in police custody in Torquay.

Detective Sergeant Iain Simons, Totnes investigation team, said: “This was a ferocious and unprovoked attack which is rare for the town. Patrols by local officers were stepped up in the area to reassure members of the community.

“We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident but we are keen to speak to anyone who may have either witnessed the incident or seen two men with weapons before or after the attack.”

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference CR 106146/14, or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.