At approximately 4.30pm yesterday the victim returned home to the Cross Douglas Road and found the intruder in his house.

According to gardaí a struggle ensued and the victim received a head injury and was stabbed in the stomach.

His attacker then fled the property, taking a computer and camera equipment.

The injured man managed to contact emergency services and was taken to Cork University Hospital.

Gardaí described his wounds as non-life threatening though he is understood to be traumatised by the ordeal. A Garda spokesman appealed for witnesses or anyone who may have information about the attack to contact Douglas Garda Station on 021 4947120.

In particular, he appealed for witnesses who might have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the Cross Douglas Road area between 4.15pm and 5pm.

Councillor Deirdre Forde said she had heard of an increase in burglaries in the area in recent weeks.

She said it was extremely worrying that, not only was someone burgled, but also that they were attacked in their own home.

She said the penalty for such an attacker should be especially punitive.

In light of the increase in burglaries, she also called for discussions between councillors and gardaí about what can be done in the area.