A man suffered head injuries after being attacked by a group of men who believed he was a burglar.

Police found Winslow "Scalie" Williams unconscious shortly after 10 a.m. yesterday on Foothills Road, near Loyal Hill.

They went to the area after residents reported a burglary.

Residents described the attack as "vigilante justice" and claimed Mr. Williams broke into a couple of houses before a group of men set on him.

Marvin Woolridge, who did not see the attack, said his 24-year-old niece was startled when she saw Mr. Williams climbing through the window. After she verbally confronted him he left the premises, Mr. Woolridge claimed.

"I know Scalie, and I gotta say he picked the wrong house," Mr. Woolridge said. "You don't do that, you don't break into people's homes. Someone caught him and laid him out, that is what happens when you break into people's homes."

Neighbours claimed Mr. Williams went on to break into two other homes in the area before he was attacked. While Police were collecting evidence, and looking for the weapons used in the attack of Mr. Williams, some neighbours alleged "he got what was coming to him".

Police spokesman Dwayne Caines said: "Details about what occurred are unclear at this time; however it is alleged that the victim, a 43-year-old Sandys Parish man, was discovered attempting to burglarise an area home.

"The Sandys Parish man was apparently injured by members of the public as he tried to flee the scene on foot and was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment. His injuries were not believed to be life threatening."

When asked about vigilante justice Mr. Caines said: "We are advising members of the public to contact Police at their earliest convenience.

"Your safety is the Bermuda Police Service's number one concern. Ensure the safety of your family and yourself and then contact Police."

He added that a full investigation was underway but no one had been arrested by press time. Police refused to comment on whether the area residents involved would be prosecuted.

Mr. Williams was released from hospital last night.