A man was hit over the head with a mallet after challenging five burglars in his neighbour's house in Sidcup yesterday (January 6).

Police say they were called to reports of a man being assaulted in Wyncham Avenue at 6.45pm.

They attended the scene and found a 56-year-old man suffering from a head injury. 

At around 6.40pm, the man heard his neighbour’s house being broken into and went to investigate. 

He encountered five youths in the property and challenged them. 

One of the youths struck him over the head with a mallet, causing a large cut, but he wrestled a broom handle from another youth.

At this point the group fled. They are all described as white males, believed to be in their late teens or early 20s.

They left the scene in a red or orange Ford Focus ST in the direction of Halfway Street.

The victim's name is unknown but his daughter, Marnie Bishop, posted pictures of his injury on social media.

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The 18-year-old said: "My dad is my hero, he wrestled the burglars and got smacked over the head. Hate seeing someone I love so much hurt.

"Hopefully the little scumbags get caught."

He was taken to a south London hospital where he recevied treatment for the injury, which is not life threatening.

Anyone with any information should contact Bexley police on 101 or crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.