A man is being sought by police after a kettle full of boiling water was poured over a woman believed to be wife.

Luis Alfaro-Tames, 47, has not been seen since the incident at a house in Ousedale Close, Lewes, more than one week ago.

The Peruvian is known to frequent Brighton and Lewes and police want anyone who knows where he is to get in touch.

The victim, 31, was visiting her neighbour when she was attacked.

The neighbour said: “I had gone upstairs to bed. Then I heard this screaming. He had gone out of the door so I tried to chase him.

“By the time I got back she was gone and I spoke to her after she had been to hospital.

“She is very scared. She does not want to go out.”

Police are said to have taken away the victim’s electric kettle.

Mr Alfaro-Tames is thought to have lived in close-knit Ousedale Close for a few months.

One neighbour said he “kept himself to himself.”

The woman was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital with second degree scalding and discharged later that day, July 2. Mr Alfaro-Tames is 5ft 8in tall, of slight build, with short dark hair and has a scar under his left nostril.

Call police on 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk, quoting serial 150 of 2/7 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.