MASKED attackers armed with what was thought to be a metal bar left a man seriously injured after a savage, unprovoked assault in Leeds.
The 36-year-old Polish victim, who had been at a family gathering, was set upon by two men after stepping outside the house on Baldovan Mount near Back Ellers Road in Harehills.
The pair did not steal anything and fled after leaving him with serious but not life-threatening head injuries, police said.
Det Insp Phil Jackson, of North East Leeds CID, said: “While the victim’s watch was pulled off during the assault it was found nearby and no property was taken.”
“We are now working with him to try and establish just why this attack has taken place.
Detectives have been conducting house to house and CCTV enquiries in the area and are probing the motive behind the assault.
The incident happened at about 9pm on Monday. Officers want to talk to witnesses and anyone who saw a grey car in the street earlier in the evening containing two people who appeared to be arguing.
Det Insp Jackson added: “I want to stress that this sort of incident is out of the ordinary in this part of Harehills, where we have not seen any recent disputes or community tensions.”
Anyone who has information is asked to contact North East Leeds CID on 101 or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.