A 33-YEAR-OLD man was violently assaulted with a hammer by five men in Tiverton, police say.

The shocking incident happened on Wednesday (September 14), as the man sat in his van at the temporary traffic lights on Blundell's Road at around 6pm.

The man is believed to have been assaulted with a hammer by five men, who police believe are known to the victim.

The men then made off in a dark blue Rover towards Halberton.

A 21-year-old man from Tiverton and a 23-year-old also from Tiverton, have been arrested in connection with the incident and await questioning.

Police wish to speak to anyone who saw the incident to contact them immediately.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Police on 101 or via 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime reference CR/065167/16.

You can also give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.