THREE men have been charged with attempted murder following a frenzied machete attack which left a man in a coma.

The 30-year-old was at his home in Hyde in the early hours of Saturday morning when he was attacked.

It’s believed he was hit around the head with a machete, forcing him to the floor, and smashed over the head with a large stone vase.

Police were called to the house, on Backbower Lane, at around 12.20am. The victim was taken to Tameside Hospital and later transferred to Hope Hospital where he had two operations on his brain.

He remained unconscious as the Advertiser went to press on Tuesday.

Det Insp Andy Aston said: "This was a vicious attack which has left the victim in a life-threatening condition in hospital.

"But we would like to reassure the community that this is an isolated incident.

"We remain hopeful that the victim will pull through and will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice."

Adam Holden, 28, of Stockport Road, Hyde; Andrew Platt, 29, of Lanegate, Hyde, and John Platt, 33, of Shaw Avenue, Hyde, appeared at Tameside Magistrates’ Court on Monday and were charged with attempted murder.

They were remanded in custody and were due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on Monday 28 September.