A GROUP of thugs attacked a man in his home by spraying him in the face with an unknown liquid.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a burglary in St Osyth where the victim was attacked by three men.

Police were called to reports a man in his 30s was attacked in his home, in Seawick Avenue, at about 1.30am on Friday, July 5.

The victim's property was broken into by the trio who sprayed him in the face with an unknown liquid.

The liquid is not believed to be corrosive, but police are carrying on with their inquiries to discover was the substance was.

Nothing from the home is thought to have been taken by the suspects.

An Essex Police spokesman said the victim sustained no injuries.

He added: "We do not believe there is any wider risk to the public at this time, but we would ask for anyone with information about this incident to come forward."

The three men left the property on foot.

Two of the men have been described as black, with one being of slim build and around 6ft tall wearing a dark tracksuit, and the other was around 6ft 2ins tall and of a stocky build.

The third man was white, of a slim build, and stood at around 5ft 10ins tall.

He wore a dark blue tracksuit with the hood up.

Michael Talbott, Tendring councillor for St Osyth, said: "I am not aware of all of the details, but clearly this attack made by three men at a man's home or holiday home should be deplored.

"People expect to be safe when they are in a countryside area and to know a serious crime has taken place puts everybody on the edge.

"Everyone might feel like they should be more serious about shutting their doors and windows."

He added: "I regret it happened and hope the miscreants are brought to justice."

John White, St Osyth councillor, said he was shocked to find out about the incident.

He said: "This happened in the holiday area and it's difficult to know whether these people involved in the crime were holiday makers or not.

"Every month the parish council gets a list of crime from the police about incidents and where they are occurring and it's madness how much that area has increased in crime or reported crime."

Anyone with information is asked to call Essex Police on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/105578/19.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or submit information through their website.