Couple Attacked With Aerosol Spray

Police have released an e-fit after a teenage couple needed hospital treatment when sprayed in the face in Waterlooville with some sort of substance that made their skin peel.

Police are appealing for information following an assault on an 18-year-old man and woman in an alleyway from Stakes Hill Road to Purbrook Way (between Oaklands and Crookhorn Schools) sometime between 6.30 and 7pm on Tuesday, June 26.

The couple were walking through the alleyway and approximately 80 metres from the junction with Purbrook they were approached by another teenage boy and girl coming from the opposite direction. As they passed the teenage boy sprayed the man in the face with an unknown substance, some of the spray also went into the woman’s face.

Both victims experienced a burning sensation, their skin has reddened and peeled. Both received treatment at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham.

The offender is described as:
> White

> 17-18 years of age

> 5ft 8ins to 5ft 11ins tall

> Medium build

> Short dark hair

> Spots on his cheek

> Wearing a dark coloured hooded top and blue denim jeans with faded patches on the knees
 
The girl is described as: 

> White. 

> 17-19 years old. 

> Small build. 

> Boyish pixie haircut with dyed blonde short hair.. 

> Arched and thin plucked eyebrows. 

> Black eyeliner on both eyelids drawn to a point at the outside corners. 

> A smallish nose with a distinctive wide tip. 

> A small mouth. 

> A fairly pale complexion. 

> Small jaw line and chin. 

> Seen on a bicycle

Det Con Pete Budgen said: “This type of assault is thankfully rare. It was a mindless and unprovoked incident. The couple who sprayed the substance may have thought it was a joke, however the consequences could have been more serious.
 
“The victims are now recovering at home but are left shocked by what happened and concerned about going out.
 
“We are keen to speak to another young couple who where also walking in the alleyway around the time of the assault, they may hold vital information.”
 
Anyone with information should contact DC Budgen at Waterlooville police station on 101. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.