POLICE have renewed an appeal for information after a man was sprayed in the face with an "unknown" liquid from a passing car.

The victim, who is aged in his 30s, suffered injuries to his leg and chest during the attack.

The incident happened while the man was walking in Union Road, behind The Three Jays pub, at around 7pm on Monday, March 26.

The substance was sprayed from a black Vauxhall Corsa.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "The occupants of the vehicle have then sprayed a noxious substance from the front passenger window.

"The man reported experiencing burns to the chest and thigh.

"The victim described seeing up to four people in the vehicle, which drove towards the Frobisher Drive area.

"We are particular keen to talk to anyone who spotted a suspicious vehicle at around the time of the incident or anyone who has dash cam footage between 6.30pm and 7.30pm."

Police cordoned off part of the road while they investigated the incident.

Dan Casey, chairman of the town’s neighbourhood watch group, said: “This sort of thing has been increasing across the country but we have not heard of it happening here very often.

“We are a tourist town and this is not something we want to see happen here. It will put people off from coming.

“Even if the police get the extra numbers they want, it is difficult to stop someone throwing a substance from a car.

“This is serious and the Government must ensure they strengthen legislation to clampdown on those who get caught.”

Last year Home Secretary Amber Rudd said she intended to ban the sales of corrosive substances to under-18s following an increase in attacks.

She added people caught twice carrying corrosive substances in public should receive a mandatory six-month prison sentence.

Anyone with information is asked to call Clacton CID on 101 quoting crime reference 42/41307/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.