A MAN was taken to hospital after being sprayed in the eyes during a racially aggravated assault.

Between 8.30pm and 9pm on Sunday, September 15 a man was reportedly racially abused by a man he knew at the bp garage in Longfleet Road, Poole.

The victim, aged in his 30s, was sprayed in the face with an unknown substance and taken to hospital.

He required medical treatment to injuries to his eyes.

A 26-year-old man from Poole was later arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid, causing or administering poison or a noxious thing with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy and assault by beating of an emergency worker.

He has been released on police bail while the investigation continues.

Investigations officer Ellen Gough, of Dorset Police, said: “The victim sustained injuries to his eyes that require further medical treatment.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area and saw what happened, or may have captured any relevant footage, to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240142892. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.