A man was subjected to an agonising acid attack on Monday in Oldham after two youths sprayed a chemical substance in his face after asking him for a cigarette lighter.
The 41-year-old man was taken to hospital with chemical burns after walking alone along Leesbrook Nature bridle path near to Wellyhole Street in Oldham at around 4.45pm.
He was approached by two youths who asked him for a light. As the victim lit a cigarette for one of them, the other sprayed the man in the face with a liquid that began to burn instantly.
The youths simply walked away.
Detective Constable Andrew Swettenham said: “It is not yet known what the substance was but it began burning his skin immediately. Fortunately he wasn’t badly injured but we are treating this attack seriously.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who was walking along the Leesbrook Nature bridle path that afternoon who may have seen the incident or who may have information about who is involved.”
One of the offenders is described as an Asian, about 16-years-old, 5ft 4in tall and skinny. He has short black hair, shaved lines in his left eyebrow and a thin line of hair along his jawline.
He was wearing a black tracksuit top with a red stripe down the arms, charcoal coloured jeans and had a local accent.
The other offender is described as an Asian man, about 17-years-old, 5ft 7in tall and skinny. He has black hair, thick bushy eyebrows and a hooked nose.
He was wearing a brown scarf, a black zip-up tracksuit top with a silver badge and black jeans.
Anyone with information should call Oldham Integrated Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0161 856 8982 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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