Burglars attack sleeping resident

Three men broke into a Merriwa home this morning, pinning down and striking a sleeping resident.

A police spokesman said about 8am the men entered the Goyder Elbow house and assaulted a 24-year-old man for several minutes with an unknown weapon.

He was also pinned down and threatened with a knife by one of the intruders as they demanded money and property.

The three offenders fled with a mobile phone and the victim ran from the house to seek help from a neighbour.

He was then taken to a nearby medical centre where he was treated for bruising, lacerations and facial injuries.

All three assailants were wearing ski masks with one described as fair skinned, 170cm tall and a stocky build wearing a white jumper, while another was wearing a green jumper and had a long ginger goatee and a tattoo on his right wrist. The third's description is unknown.

Police are unsure how the burglars gained entry to the house.