TENDRING’S top police officer has reassured the public an attempted burglary that saw a man sprayed in the face with an unknown substance is an “isolated incident”.

The attack happened in Main Road, Harwich, on Saturday at 1.50am.

A 47-year-old man had the substance sprayed in his face when he opened the door to two men who were trying to get into the house.

The victim suffered temporary sight problems and the men ran off.

Harwich West ward councillor David Flavell said he was shocked by the incident.

“It is a terrible thing to happen,” he said.

Acting Chief Inspector Russ Cole said the incident was being investigated, but reassured residents crime in the area was falling.

He said: “For me, it is very unusual and I am reassured we have a dedicated team of detectives investigating that matter.”