A couple were taken to hospital after they were imprisoned and beaten in their home by a gang wielding a knife and a hammer.

The 32-year-old male victim was still detained in hospital yesterday – three days after the incident – after he was slashed on the hand and sustained facial injuries. He has undergone surgery to his hand.

Police said the couple had been subjected to physical abuse, intimidation and humiliation during their ordeal.

Neighbours said the man and his 35-year-old female partner were believed to have been held in their home, in Fearnsides Street, Girlington, Bradford, for at least two hours.

Their ordeal only ended when the woman screamed for help from an upstairs window and workmen came to investigate.

Yesterday, blood could still be seen on a window at the house.

Police said they were called at about noon on Tuesday to reports of an offence of false imprisonment at the address.

A spokesman said three men, armed with a knife and a hammer, were believed to have assaulted the man and woman while subjecting them to abuse and intimidation after forcing their way in to the house.

The man was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary for treatment to a slashed hand and facial injuries, including a black eye. He is in a stable condition.

It is understood he was injured by the knife as he put up resistance.

The woman also went to hospital but was not seriously injured.

The attackers, who were wearing hooded tops, fled from the scene on foot.

One neighbour said: “We have heard these men were in the house for two or three hours. We heard the man was hit on the head with a hammer and both had been beaten.”

The neighbour said the couple had only lived at the house for a few weeks, and he thought they had been married about six months ago. He said the man worked as a takeaway driver.

Police are asking any witnesses, or anyone with information about the incident, should contact Bradford South CID, on 101, or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.