1:40pm Thursday 11th March 2010
A masked man is pepper-spraying seafront dog-walkers.
At least two attacks on people and their pets have been reported to police in Worthing.
Officers are urging people to contact them if they see anyone acting suspiciously in the area where the times took place.
On February 23 a man was walking his dog in West Parade, Goring, at about 5.15pm when he spotted a man walking towards him.
The stranger, who was wearing a scarf over his face and a beanie hat, sprayed a liquid towards him.
Most of the spray was taken away by the breeze but some of it hit the man’s face and eyes.
He suffered burning pain for about 20 minutes before he was able to call the police.
The attacker was white and about 5ft 10in, in dark clothes.
The weapon is believed to be pepper spray similar to that used by police to bring violent suspects under control.
Police in Worthing are investigating whether two other reported attacks were carried out by the same man.
In one, at about 3.30pm on January 22, a dog was sprayed in the face.
Police said it did not need veterinary treatment because pepper spray does not affect dogs in the same way as humans.
A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: “It is suspected that this male is targeting dog walkers along the seafront path from Heene Road towards Goring and has sprayed dogs and their owners.”
Chief Inspector James Asser, the force’s district commander for Worthing and Adur, said: “It is obviously of concern to use.
“This individual does appear to have attacked two particular dog walkers.
“We have got a description and we are appealing for witnesses to come forward to help identify the individual.”
Worthing borough councillor Mary Lermitte said: “It is absolutely outrageous.
“I hope they catch somebody for doing it soon.”
Anyone with information is asked to call PC Steve Hargrave, of Sussex Police, on 0845 6070999 quoting serial 1265 of February 23.
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