Man suffers burns to face in suspected 'acid attack' in Chorley

Fire services and the police continued their investigations for most of Wednesday

A man was taken to hospital after he suffered burns to his face and chest in a suspected "acid attack" in Chorley, say police.

Emergency services were called to a house on Mavis Drive in Coppull just before 10.30pm on Tuesday, April 10 after attackers sprayed a "corrosive substance" on the man.

Police say offenders knocked on the front door of the property, and smashed a panel spraying the man with the substance before he had a chance to open the door.

The man suffered burns to his face, chest, back and arm and was given first aid by firefighters who were tasked with making the scene safe.

Crime scene investigators and fire fighters remained at the house for most of Wednesday as they attempted to establish the exact nature of the liquid that was used.

Officers in the area are now reassuring members of the public by increasing patrols and are stressing that they believe this is a one-off incident.

A spokesman for the police said: "Unknown offenders banged on the door of the address, but before the occupiers had time to answer, they smashed the glass panel, reached in and sprayed what is believed to be a corrosive substance, before running off. "Officers, paramedics and the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service attended and a man who had suffered burn injuries to his face, arm, chest and back was taken to hospital where he is receiving treatment. "We are treating this as an isolated incident at this time and patrols have been increased in the area."

Residents in the area spoke of their shock at the attack which happened in what they described as a "family" orientated street.