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Skinnypigs founder Jonathan Hair says he has been touched by the messages of support he has received as he recovers from the terrifying ordeal.

The 38-year-old was awoken when he heard noises downstairs in his South Hylton home and was faced by three masked raiders armed with a machete, hammer and knives in his hallway.

The business owner said he was met with the ‘surreal’ sight and first thought he was being pranked by his friends who had popped by on the way home from the pub.

Jonathan Hair, founder of the Skinnypigs business, was repeatedly stabbed and his English bulldog Pork was also hurt by the three robbers who burst into his Sunderland home.

He was attacked and ‘tortured’ by the raiders who threatened to cut off his toes, sliced his legs and fingers to the bone and held a knife to his throat.

And even attacked his two year old English Bull dogs Pork and Chop.

Now he’s offered a £3,000 reward for anyone who could provide information that leads to a conviction following the attack at the Lisa Avenue house on January 23.

Jonathan says he’s received ‘the best support’ from his family as well as the Sunderland community and his Skinnypigs customers.

Mr Hair after the attack at a house in Lisa Avenue, South Hylton

“It’s upset me more that people who I thought were friends who haven’t checked in or asked if I’m ok.

“But the support from my family has been the best. The support from my Skinnypigs family too, they’ve been so lovely.”

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Three men, aged 37, 32 and 22 were arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and have since been released under investigation.

“Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log 34 240120 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Damage to Jonathan's hand after the attack.

Messages of support have flooded in from Sunderland Echo readers, here's what they said:

Christine Johnson: “What a rotten world we live in, hope and pray you get justice and have a speedy recovery.”

Amanda Jones: “Glad he’s on the mend some cruel, nasty people out there. Hope you get justice.”

Anne Neville: “I hope he makes a good recovery, and his poor dogs, hopefully they recover too!”

Maureen Watson: “I so hope that they might be found and my thoughts are with the man and his family. I hope he makes a good recovery.”

Sarah Sherlock: “Such a brave man, hope they catch them. Get well soon.”

Dionne Ross: “Sending very best wishes Jonathan. Some horrible people in the world.”

Dorothy Harding: “Wishing you a speedy recovery. Unbelievable.”

Christine Hissett: “Absolutely shocking. Can’t imagine the ordeal you have endured.”

Stevie Candice: “I struggled reading this, absolutely horrific!! I hope you are ok, what a terrible ordeal.”

Tracey Collins: “This is absolutely terrible, i hope they are caught. I wish you a speedy recovery.”

Jason E Burdis: “Speedy recovery hope the police catch those responsible. It could of been a different story – hope they get what they deserve.”

Sunderland rallies to support fitness boss who was attacked and tortured in his own home