A TEENAGER had a corrosive substance thrown in his face in a knifepoint robbery.

The 19-year-old suffered burns to his eyes and throat in the attack in Brighton on Sunday.

The man was robbed of his wallet and mobile phone as he walked towards a shop in Whitehawk Way at just after 8pm.

As he walked he became aware of a man and a woman behind him, police said.

The man grabbed him and squirted a liquid into his face and then pressed what he believed to be a knife into his stomach and demanded he hand over his wallet and mobile phone.

The teenage victim then staggered to a house in Exceat Close and told the occupier that his eyes and throat were burning.

He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, where he is undergoing treatment for injuries to his eyes, face and tongue.

Officers searched the area and a 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery, questioned and released without further action.

Detective Constable James Botting said: "We are appealing for any witnesses who saw this attack or anyone acting suspiciously in Whitehawk Way at the time to come forward.

"There was also a sighting of a silver car that passed along the road at the time of the incident so we would like to hear from the driver who may have some information. If you can help please get in touch."

Anyone with information should contact police online or ring 101 quoting serial 1404 of 10/03.

The victim was discharged from hospital on Sunday evening but is continuing to receive specialist out-patient treatment for his eyes, face and tongue.

The substance has not yet been identified.

*Sussex Police initially said the attack happened in Whitehawk Road.

They have since updated their appeal to state it was in fact Whitehawk Way.