A man was lucky to escape with his life after he was hit over the head with a metal bar in a targeted burglary at his central Queensland home, police say.
The 45-year-old was able to fend off four masked men, tackling one to the ground despite a severe gash to his forehead.
He is set to to have surgery for the gash.
"It's just fortunate we aren't dealing with a dead body here," Detective Senior Sergeant Luke Peachey said.
Police say the four intruders, wearing white face masks, entered the house in the Gladstone suburb of Clinton around 10pm on Wednesday and demanded money.
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They believe it was a targeted burglary and are investigating reports threats had been made against the victim's son.
The metal bar and one of the intruders masks was left at the house following the struggle and will be tested for DNA.
The man's family was also home at the time.
Police are searching for the intruders and are seeking help from the public.
"It's a very traumatic incident, to see your husband and father with quite a significant injury," Det Sen Sgt Peachey said.
