Oxford 'acid' attack: Man, 42, suffers burns after being ambushed in public toilet

A middle-aged man was ambushed in public toilets and sprayed with 'acid' in a vicious attack carried out by two people today.

The 42-year-old victim was believed to have been sitting on the toilet when two men, dressed in dark clothing, burst in and squirted the caustic liquid over him from a clear plastic bottle.

The man said he felt a "burning sensation" and is believed to have fled from the toilet block to a nearby Post Office.

An ambulance was called to take him to hospital where doctors say his injuries are "not serious."

Police said that the man was believed to have suffered burns to his body as a result of the attack and was being treated by doctors at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

The incident happened at 11.30am today in public toilets on the Blackbird Leys Estate in Oxford.

the man was rushed to hospitals with his injuries (Google)

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "We are appealing for witnesses after an assault in which a man sustained injuries after a liquid was thrown on him. The incident happened at about 11.30am in Knights Road, Blackbird Leys.

"The victim, a 42-year-old man, was in a public toilet when he was approached by two men who threw an unknown substance on him from a clear bottle. The man felt a burning sensation and then ran to the nearby Post Office for assistance.

"He was taken to hospital for treatment. His injuries are not believed to be serious.

"The offenders were two black men in dark clothing. A more detailed description is not currently available. Work is currently taking place to establish what the liquid was."

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Jess Milne, said: “I understand that this offence may cause concern in the community but I would like to reassure people that we believe this was an isolated incident and that a thorough investigation is underway.

“Members of the public are likely to see an increased police presence in Blackbird Leys. Anyone with any concerns or questions should feel free to approach our officers.

“If anyone has any information about this incident, or those who are responsible for it, please call us on 101.