Police are hunting a dangerous attacker who sprayed a noxious chemical in his victim's face.

The man targeted by the lazy-eyed assailant faces the threat of lasting damage to his sight.

Posing as a council workman, the culprit knocked on the victim's door in Finchingfield Way, Blackheath, Colchester, and asked him to move a van parked at the front of the property.

He then sprayed the chemical for no apparent reason as the man's wife and child watched in terror.

Det Con Martin Jeggo said the family had been left "extremely traumatised".

Colchester CID has spent weeks gathering intelligence about the assault, which took place at about 7.30pm on July 4, and today launched a witness appeal as detectives stepped up their bid to catch the mixed-race attacker.

He is described as aged between 25 and 30 and wore a grey hooded tracksuit top, grey jogging bottoms and a workman-style flourescent vest.

Officers hope the distinguishing feature of his lazy eye will help them track him down.

  • Anyone with information is asked to call Colchester police on 01206 762212, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.