HEARTLESS thugs beat up a couple after bursting into their home last night.

The incident happened in Midhurst Avenue, in Park North, at 10pm.

The woman of the house opened the door to two unknown males who asked where 'Tom' was.

When she told them that there was no one called Tom living at the address, they barged past her and started assaulting her husband who was in the living room.

He managed to fight off the men, who were punching him, and then fled from the property.

Both victims are being supported by police officers and were left very shaken after receiving cuts and bruises to their faces.

The men are described as both being white, wearing dark hooded tops and trousers.

One was in his late 20s, about 5ft 6ins tall, slim with a skinny face and with stubble and a goatee beard.

The other was in his late teens or early 20s.

According to a Facebook post about the attack from a relative, which has been shared by more than 700 people, the men were armed with an axe.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said they could not say what the weapon was.

He said: “It is believed the men were armed and a weapon, which wasn’t used on the couple, was recovered at the scene.”

The police are now appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the men flee the scene or in the area at the time to come forwards with any information that they may have.

Detective Inspector Paul Hacker said: “This was a particularly traumatic and violent experience for both the husband and wife.

“I am seeking the public’s help to find these two men.

“They appeared to be after a man called Tom, a name which was not known to this couple.

“Anyone who knows two men matching the descriptions or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in this area around this time is asked to call us on the non-emergency number 101.

“We are increasing extra police patrols in this area to reassure the public that we are doing everything to try and find these men.

“However, I also want to reiterate to everyone that incidents like this, although frightening, are extremely rare.”

Anyone who can help with the investigation should contact police on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously if required.