Share this @internewscast.com
A man has been viciously beaten by a group of masked and armed attackers in front of two teenage girls during a home invasion in Western Sydney. 
Five men wearing face coverings and armed with a hammer, bat, machete and a gun broke into a home on Abbott Street in Merrlyands about 1.45am today, according to police.
They repeatedly beat 47-year-old resident Joseph Tannous over the head.
A 13-year-old girl, an 18-year-old woman and Tannous’ wife were also inside at the time.
The family claims the wife had a pistol held to her chest while the attack continued.
Neighbours could hear the commotion. 
“I heard screams and banging,” a woman, who did not want to be identified, told 9News.
The group then fled the home on foot before getting into a Suzuki Swift. 
That same car was found engulfed in flames at Elizabeth Street in Granville.
Police are investigating whether the fire was linked to the attack.
Tannous was treated at the scene for facial injuries and taken to hospital.
His family told 9News his injuries are significant and he will undergo a brain scan today.
Tannous’ hands were also smashed while he tried to shield himself during the assault.
“It really feels very unsafe,” resident Nishant Modak said. 
The five men remain on the run tonight.
Anybody with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.