Five arrested after man assaulted with chemical

There were reports two men approached another man on Victoria Street and threw a chemical substance

Five people have been arrested after a man was assaulted with what police described as a "chemical substance" on a street in Devon.

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to Victoria Street, Paignton, on 21 November at about 01:10 GMT.

There had been reports two men had approached another man and thrown a substance at him.

Police confirmed a man in his 30s had sustained potentially life-changing injuries and was being treated in hospital, where he remained in a critical condition.

Heightened police presence

Officers said a 46-year-old man from Paignton was arrested on suspicion of applying a corrosive fluid with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

A man and a woman, both aged 44 and from Paignton, were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.

A 43-year-old woman from Paignton was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent.

A man aged 22 from Paignton was arrested on suspicion causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

All had been released on police bail, pending further inquiries, police said.

The force added there would be a heightened police presence in the area.