Police are on the hunt for five people over a violent home invasion at Thornton.
The group forced open the front locked door of a home on Rockleigh Street just after 3.30am on Thursday where 4 adults and a baby were sleeping.
Police say two of the intruders, a man and a woman, went to the main bedroom and rummaged through the room, leaving the house with two bags of property.
One of the occupants challenged an intruder who was armed with a metal bar, bundling him out of the house before a second offender hit the resident over the head with a crow bar and all five fled.
Chief Inspector Brian Tracey says the victim was taken to Maitland Hospital.
"He is being treated for a superficial wound to his forehead - of course being hit over the head with an iron bar is a terrible thing for anyone to endure, but we're very thankful he's going to be okay," he said.
No-one else was injured.
The group was last seen heading towards Railway Avenue.
Anyone who may have seen them or can assist police with their inquiries is urged to call Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
