A police investigation has been launched after a man had acid poured over him in Crawley.

The incident took place in Lyon Close, Maidenbower, around 7.10pm yesterday.

Paramedics, the air ambulance and police attended.

Sussex Police said the victim was in his early 20s and the acid was poured on his face and hands.

The victim has been taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, in Brighton.

Witness Duncan Crow, a West Sussex Councillor, said on Twitter: "I don't believe what has just happened in Maidenbower. A man has been attacked with acid thrown in his face in a targeted attack."

He added: "Thankfully the victim looks ok. Ambulance and six police cars now on scene."

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Sussex Police attended an incident in Crawley where a man had what is believed to be acid thrown over him.

"Emergency services were called to the scene in Lyon Close at 7.10pm on Tuesday (April 8). A man in his early 20s was attacked by two men just after 7pm and had the chemical poured over his face and hands.

"The victim was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton but was discharged early this morning.

Detective Sergeant Dave Morton said: "We are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the incident or who may have seen two black men wearing hi-viz tops in a white Vauxhall Astra van in the area before or after the attack.

"The motive for this attack is still being investigated but we are confident it was targeted and can reassure the public that it was not random."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 1329 of 08/04

Did you witness the incident? Email crime reporter Anna Roberts at anna.roberts@theargus.co.uk.