RESIDENTS told of the horrifying moment they heard a deathly scream in a suspected acid attack.

Residue of a "noxious substance" remains on the door of a property in Steine Gardens, Brighton, after a woman was rushed to hospital in a serious condition yesterday.

The Argus understands that the woman was injured at a house where a group of medical students live.

Officers were called to the residential street at around 4.20pm, and continue to hunt for a person who fled the scene.

One neighbour told The Argus they heard a "really bad scream" before seeing the young woman being led out of the property with a "blanket" over her head.

She said: "I think the whole street heard it [the scream]

"I came running down because I couldn't see anything from the window because it sounded like a scream that you never want to hear.

"A serious scream. I knew it was a young lady.

The Argus: Police tape surrounded the door Police tape surrounded the door

"I couldn't work out where the noise had come from, I came back in and then the next minute there was a load of police and ambulance outside.

"She had a blanket over her."

A second neighbour described how they saw an "acid attack kit" on the road outside the property after the attack.

He said: "I went out at about 9pm yesterday to get some bits from the shop and there was a plastic box with a printed note inside that said 'acid attack kit'.

"Less than 10 metres away is where we chill. There is definitely a bit of concern."

The woman, who suffered serious injuries as a result of the attack, was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Detective sergeant Jennifer Pietersen said: “The victim has suffered multiple serious injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.

"We are pursuing a number of enquiries to identify and arrest the suspect involved.

“High visibility patrols are being carried out in the city and house to house enquiries are ongoing.

“We are urging anyone with information to contact us without delay.”

If anyone witnessed the incident or has information to assist the police investigation please report online or call 101 quoting serial 972 of 20/05.