A 64-year-old man was left unconscious after a thief hit him on the head with a hammer several times.

Malcolm Simons was left with blood pouring from his head after a break-in went wrong at Tools and Equipment early Saturday morning.

He has been flown to Boston for further treatment after being in the Intensive Care Unit at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Derek Burrows, one of the owners of the Pembroke store, confirmed the incident and said: "A thief has tried unsuccessfully to rob Tools & Equipment Unlimited a second time within a five-week period.

"On both occasions, the thief or thieves have entered the premises by smashing the main entrance door glass. On this latest occasion, late Friday night, early Saturday morning, the thief went up the stairs and found a manager of Tools & Equipment doing some last minute chores.

"The thief hit the manager several times on the head with a hammer leaving him unconscious and bleeding profusely."

A Police statement said: "Around 12.50 a.m. on Saturday, Police received a report of a burglary at Tools & Equipment on North Street in Pembroke. It appears that around 12.45 a.m. that day an unknown culprit gained entry into the premises and was confronted by the victim, a 64-year-old Paget man, who was working late inside the store.

"Apparently the intruder attacked the Paget man with an object before escaping. Nothing appears to have been taken from the store.

"The victim was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance for treatment of serious head injuries. Initially he was in serious but stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit before being flown overseas for further medical care."

The suspect was described as 5 ft 8 ins to 5 ft 10 ins, dark skinned man of slim to medium build wearing a hat and long jeans. He is said to be less than 40 years old. Inquiries into this incident are underway.

Police spokesman Robin Simmons said Mr. Simons has been flown to Massachusetts General Hospital, in Boston, for further medical care.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with any information about this matter to contact Detective Constable Eddie Shillingford at the Hamilton Criminal Investigation Unit on 295-0011.