A man was left with burns to his body following a suspected acid attack at his home address in a sleepy village, say police.

Attackers reportedly knocked on the victim’s front door then smashed a glass panel before reaching in and spraying him with what is believed to be a 'corrosive' substance.

The victim was treated at the scene by firefighters before being rushed to a specialist burns unit at Whiston Hospital in Merseyside.

Attackers reportedly knocked on the victim’s front door then smashed a glass panel before reaching in and spraying him

The victim was treated at the scene by firefighters before being rushed to a specialist burns unit at Whiston Hospital in Merseyside

He suffered burns to his face, chest, back, and arm but the severity of his injuries are not known at this stage.

Crime scene investigators remained at the scene today as they attempted to establish the exact nature of the liquid that was used.

Officers stress they believe the attack was a one-off incident after emergency services were called to the address in Coppull, Lancashire, just before 10.30pm on Tuesday, April 10.

Residents spoke of their shock at the attack which happened in what they described as a 'family' orientated street.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: 'I have lived in this street for 40 years and I have several relatives who live here.

'We’ve never had anything like this happen around here before - people don’t even break into cars.

The man suffered burns to his face, chest, back, and arm but the severity of his injuries are not known at this stage

'Lots of people were woken up by what happened and they were told to keep their windows and doors shut.

'It’s just shocking - everyone looks out for each other here. A lot of the older residents are very worried.

'Nobody knows who lives in the house, they’ve only been there about a year.'

Tony Whittaker, who lives in the area, added: 'My brother has lived on this road for 30 years. He’s never had any trouble and it’s a very quiet road. It’s very unusual.'

Officers in the area are now reassuring members of the public by increasing patrols and are stressing that they believe this is a one-off incident.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: 'Unknown offenders banged on the door of the address, but before the occupiers had time to answer, they smashed the glass panel, reached in and sprayed what is believed to be a corrosive substance, before running off.

'Officers, paramedics and the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service attended and a man who had suffered burn injuries to his face, arm, chest and back was taken to hospital where he is receiving treatment.

'We are treating this as an isolated incident at this time and patrols have been increased in the area.'

A leading charity has condemned the attack and said that impact on victims can be devastating.

Alex Mayes, spokesperson for independent charity Victim Support said: 'Chemical attacks can have a devastating and often long-term impact on victims, not only physically but also psychologically.

'Victim Support provides specialist practical and emotional support to victims of all crimes, including chemical attacks, whether or not the incident has been reported to the police.'

Figures released by Acid Survivors Trust International reveal that the UK has one of the highest rates of recorded acid attacks in the world per capita.

The majority of the attacks are reported in London where in 2016 alone, corrosive substances were used in 454 crimes.