A HAMPSHIRE businessman attacked in his own home by a gang of hammer-wielding thugs has told how he cheated death by millimetres.

Neurosurgeons treating the fractured skull suffered by David Thompson have told him that he was lucky to survive.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the 49-year-old was assaulted by intruders who burst into his home in Forest Road, Chandler’s Ford.

Mr Thompson fought back and the gang ran off, leaving him with serious injuries.

Describing his ordeal he said: “Four armed masked men smashed my front door down in a seriously violent attack. They were waving hammers and knives in my face so I gave it my best shot and luckily enough they ran off.

“Unfortunately for me one of them smashed me over the head with a lump hammer, fracturing my skull.

“I have been told by the neurosurgeon that had they hit me a few millimetres to the left I would be dead.”

Mr Thompson’s social media post adds: “I would like to thank my friends and family for all your support during this time.

“Also ‘thank you’ to Hampshire Constabulary for the importance with which you are treating this case and to our new lodger, who has a very large dog.”

Mr Thompson is listed as a director of TSK Interiors Ltd, TSK Joinery Ltd and Taskcastle Ltd.

Police are trying to establish if the businessman was deliberately targeted or the victim of a random attack.

Officers say the “nasty” assault took place when he confronted the men after they broke into his home at around 11pm last Tuesday.

The masked intruders, wearing scarves or balaclavas to hide their faces, used a hammer to deliver a blow to his head before fleeing.

Mr Thompson was taken to Southampton General Hospital, where he received treatment for what were described as serious but not life-threatening head injuries.

One of the attackers was wearing a grey hooded top. The others were in dark clothing.

Det Con Russell Smith said: “This was a nasty assault and we would like to hear from anyone with information.”

Appealing directly to potential witnesses he added: “Were you in the Forest Road area at around the time the incident took place.

“Did you notice four males together? Or perhaps you noticed vehicles in the area that you didn’t recognise? If so please get in touch.”

Call Hampshire police on 101 quoting crime reference number 44180002293.