The man was injured and required surgery after he managed to free himself and alert police of his ordeal.

Detective Senior Constable Wayne Ryan, of the Warrnambool police crime investigation unit, said emergency services were called to a property on Scotts Road in Crossley at 2.15am. 

He said two unknown men broke into a house through the back door and assaulted a 49-year-old man who was asleep on a couch.

“The victim was then threatened and placed in the boot of a vehicle outside the house,” he said. 

‘‘The victim has been able to free himself and called emergency services. 

“He sustained significant but not life-threatening injuries to his arms and head which required minor surgery.’’

Detective Senior Constable Ryan said the offenders ransacked the house, a rear bungalow and a number of vehicles, causing damage to the property and vehicles before leaving. 

The victim was taken by ambulance to Warrnambool Base Hospital for treatment. 

An Ambulance Victoria spokesman said the victim was in a stable condition when he was taken to the base hospital with multiple lacerations after being called at 2.34am.

Melbourne police crime scene officers and an arson chemist examined the Crossley property yesterday.

Detective Senior Constable Ryan appealed for anyone with information about the incident to contact the Warrnambool police CIU or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.