The two watchmen, whose names have been withheld, were left nursing multiple life-threatening wounds after the attack.

Reports are that about 5:30 yesterday morning, the watchmen surprised a group of men who had broken into the building.

In response, the robbers attacked the watchmen with knives and machetes before fleeing with several computers.

The watchmen were taken to hospital where they were admitted. Up to late yesterday, the police were keeping watch on hospitals and other health centres as it is believed that one of the robbers was also injured in the incident.

The attack led to a disruption of the work at the ministry as the police kept workers out of the building for several hours. However, by mid-morning, the ministry reported that normality had been restored.

This was the second break-in at the labour ministry's North Street office in recent weeks.

Less than one month ago, thieves broke into the building and stole a number of items.