Detective Acting Inspector David Forland said police had been told the victim was at his Keene Street home about 1am on Monday, when three men – allegedly armed with a rifle, machete and baseball bat – broke in.

“The armed men allegedly assaulted him, resulting in a number of injuries, including his left pinky finger being almost severed,” he said.

Albury police were called and a 31-year-old man was arrested and charged with break and enter in circumstances of special aggravation.

Inspector Forland said detectives seized a car on Wednesday, which was undergoing forensic examination, and a firearm alleged to have been used during the break-in was found inside.

The 31-year-old was due to appear at Albury Local Court on Thursday.