A CHEMICAL was thrown in a man’s face in a daylight attack.

Police and firefighters closed Wickford High Street after reports of a suspected acid attack outside Clarks shoe shop at about 11am yesterday.

The victim ran into the store for help, before fleeing in the direction of the train station.

One female staff member was overcome by fumes after some of the liquid, which has not yet been identified, spilled into the shop.

Shoppers and business owners described the scene as chaos as four police cars, five fire engines, two ambulances, and two ambulance cars rushed to the scene.

Retired David Thorpe,70, of Innes Close, Wickford, said: “I have lived here for 20 years. I was just walking down the road to place a bet when I saw all the emergency services. I had never seen the High Street like that before. It was chaos.”

Anna Pilsc, 36, manager of the newly-opened Prezzo, opposite Hall’s Corner, added: “Everybody in the restaurant was asking what was going on.

“We were surrounded by sirens and emergency vehicles all morning.

“I have never seen so many police.”

The female shop assistant was taken to Basildon Hospital for treatment.

At 12.30pm, firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the store, which had been evacuated, to test the liquid.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police were called to Wickford High Street at just before 11am after reports that twomen had been assaulted outside the Clarks shoe store.

“One of the men had a substance thrown in his face by another man who had assaulted him in the street outside.

“The victim entered the shop but then ran off towards the railway station.

“Staff in the shop could smell fumes and were concerned.

“Police and fire officers attended to test the area and there was no risk to the public.

“Inquiries into the assault are on-going.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information about is asked to contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”

Four police cars, one unmarked, were parked outside Prezzo and Wimpy while a fire service cordon blocked public access to the alleyway separating Prezzo and Wimpy.

More acid attacks have taken place in Essex than anywhere else in the country, latest police figures reveal.

The Echo revealed earlier this year there were 28 incidents in the county
involving acid, ammonia, bleach or a chemical, between April 2014 and November 2015.

This compares to just 12 between April 2013 and March 2014.

Twenty-six attacks involving acid or another corrosive substance were reported to the Met Police since 2012, the second highest figure after
Essex.

Nationwide, violent crimes involving acid and other corrosive liquids have soared by 30 per cent in the past two years.

Police across the country recorded more than 500 offences in which people were injured or threatened with harmful substances since 2012.