A 37-year-old man was viciously attacked by three armed robbers in his home when he refused to give them money.

The terrifying incident happened at around 1pm on Saturday when three men armed with a knife and baseball bat gained entry to a property in Christchurch Road, Boscombe, and demanded cash.

The victim refused and was beaten with the baseball bat and left with cuts and bruising to his head and arms.

The robbers made off with a mobile phone and Nintendo DS Lite and are believed to have fled the scene in a silver people carrier, heading down Heathcote Road onto Hawkwood Road.

The victim was rushed to Poole Hospital with cuts and bruises to his head and arms, although his condition is not thought to be life-threatening.

DC Vanessa Moyle, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “I am determined to bring these offenders to justice and am keen to hear from anyone who may have seen these three men in a silver people carrier at approximately 1pm in the Christchurch Road area of Boscombe.”

The suspects were described as being black and aged between 25 and 30. Two of the men were average build while one was slightly larger. One of the three men was believed to be wearing a baseball cap and a white T-shirt with a black lightweight jacket or shirt over the top.

Detectives are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to call 01202 222222 or the Crimestoppers line 0800 555111.