TWO men and a woman remain in hospital today after a machete-wielding gang broke into a house.

Police launched an attempted murder investigation after all three victims suffered machete wounds and the woman was injured falling from a first floor window.

Up to five men burst into a house in Lapwing Close, Bicester, at about 8.10pm on Tuesday, armed with machetes and a bat.

They hacked a 29-year-old man in the back with a machete, then used the weapon to cut a 27-year-old man’s left arm and leg.

A 23-year-old woman was also hit with the machete and struck with the bat.

She then fell from the first floor of the house and landed in the front garden, police spokesman Vicky Brandon said. She suffered serious neck and back injuries.

The woman managed to drag herself to a house in nearby Martins Close to raise the alarm.

The gang escaped in a car, which collided with a woman in the close. She was not seriously injured.

The two injured men ran to another neighbour’s house and police and paramedics were called.

A neighbour in her late 20s said: “The two guys knocked on my door and asked for help. I only know them to say ‘hi’ to.

“There was a lot of blood and so I stood with my umbrella over them. There were lots of other people helping.”

Another neighbour said: “I heard a lot of banging and shouting and looked out of my top window.

“I was going to go outside, but thought better of it.”

A woman in her 50s said: “I saw the woman who had been hit by the car lying in the road. A man with a dog helped her up and they walked away.

“The whole thing is shocking.”

Police officers were still at the scene yesterday and, despite heavy snowfall, blood could still be seen in the road.

Officers would not comment on what type of car they believed the gang used to escape or on any possible the motive for the attack.

Det Insp Steve Duffy said: “I would like to reassure residents that we’re carrying out a detailed investigation to identify the people responsible for this serious incident.

“I appeal to anyone, who has not yet spoken to police, and has information that could assist out inquiries to get in touch.”

The 29-year-old man and 23-year-old woman were last night in a serious, but stable condition at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

The 27-year-old man’s condition was stable.

A South Central Ambulance spokesman said all three victims were treated by paramedics for machete wounds.

Anyone with information should call Mr Duffy on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.