A man was taken to hospital with burns to his face after a “corrosive substance” was thrown at him by a ‘Halloween trick-or-treater’ in High Wycombe.

The victim, a man in his 30s, was at home in Bevelwood Gardens at around 7.45pm yesterday (Wednesday) when there was a knock at the door.

He answered the door and there was someone dressed as a ghost, in a white sheet with eye holes cut out.

He assumed the person was a trick or treater for Halloween, but the person then threw two cups of pink liquid over the victim.

Police confirmed the liquid was a “high strength corrosive substance”.

The man suffered burns to his face and feet, and was taken to Wycombe General Hospital to be treated.

He has since been discharged.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant David Mitchell of Force CID based at Aylesbury police station, said: “This is a worrying attack involving a liquid, which has been established by our colleagues at Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service as a high strength corrosive substance.

“As it was Halloween, the victim assumed he was answering the door to a trick or treater, but without warning the offender threw two cups of liquid at him.

“Although the victim sustained burns to his face and feet, thankfully these were not too serious and he is now recovering, having been treated by staff at Wycombe General Hospital.

“We are making an appeal today to anyone who has any information about the incident to come forward.

“Did you see anything suspicious in Bevelwood Gardens at about 7.45pm last night, such as someone running in the area, or has someone told you something about the incident?

“We would also like to hear from anyone who has any footage that may aid our investigation; whether it’s from a smart doorbell, mobile phone, CCTV or dashcam.”

A scenewatch is in place in Bevelwood Gardens and there will be increased police patrols in the area over the next few days, Thames Valley Police said.

Deputy Local Policing Area Commander for High Wycombe, chief inspector Graham Hadley said: “I understand that this incident will cause concern in the local community, but I can reassure you that we are conducting a thorough investigation to find the perpetrator.

“We will be conducting house to house enquiries in the area and obtaining and reviewing CCTV.

“We believe this is an isolated incident and there have been no other similar reports to the force.”

Anyone with information is being urged to call 101 and quote reference number 1431 (31/10), or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.