A MAN’S hand has been almost severed and his knee badly slashed after he was attacked by an intruder while he was asleep.
The attacker entered a house in Chestnut Road, Doveton, about 2.35am on Saturday 22 March while a man and woman were asleep in the same bed.
Police said the 51-year-old victim woke when the attacker gagged him by putting his hand over his mouth, before repeatedly slashing him with a sharp weapon.
The victim received wounds to his face and forearm, and his hand and knee were severely cut, police said.
The intruder ran off when he was disturbed by the woman, who was asleep in the same bed.
The victim was taken to The Alfred hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.
Police have not been able to establish a motive and have no description of the intruder because it was dark at the time of the attack.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.