[C]umbria Police received a report late yesterday evening (12 July) of a 17-year-old having been sprayed in the face with an unknown substance.
The incident happened by the A594 between Maryport and Dearham, in the Ellenborough area, with the victim being sprayed as he walked past a male holding a bottle.
The incident was reported to police shortly after 11pm but is believed to have occurred between 9pm and 11pm.
The 17-year-old reported some skin irritation and has attended Cumberland Infirmary. He has since been discharged. His injuries are not believed to be life-altering at this time.
Officers investigating the incident have located the bottle believed to have been used.
The road was closed in both directions overnight whilst officers carried out investigations at the scene. The road has reopened this morning
Detective Inspector Matt Scott said: “This kind of incident is very rare and is taken extremely seriously. Thankfully, the 17-year-old is recovering well following the assault and there is no reason to believe there is any danger to the wider public at this time.
“However, our priority is to locate the person responsible. I would urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the police immediately. Detectives will also be in the area conducting extensive enquires today as they continue their investigation.”
The person sought is described as a young white male, possibly in his teens, around 5ft 6ins tall and wearing a black hoody. The hood was up at the time of the offence. He was also wearing black jeans and spoke with a local accent.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police immediately referencing incident 290 of 12 July 2018.
Email: 101@cumbria.police.uk
Call non-emergency number: 101
Or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Always call in an emergency 999
