POLICE and paramedics needed medical treatment after coming into contact with a man who had been attacked with an unknown substance.

A sweep of gardens, skips and dustbins took place yesterday after detectives launched an investigation into the incident in Harold Street in Burnley on Thursday evening.

A 42-year-old man was taken to hospital after a fight in the street which involved an unknown substance being thrown at him.

The victim, who also suffered a fractured cheekbone, remained in hospital last night.

Police officers, paramedics and hospital staff also came into contact with the substance, leading to them needing treatment.

Lancashire Telegraph:

There was a heightened police presence on the street as officers searched for the container that had been used to carry the substance.

Carrie-Anne Moore, of Harold Street, said she ‘wasn’t surprised’ by the incident.

The mum-of-two said: “It is reassuring to see the police on the street after what happened.

“But unfortunately this isn’t a surprise as we are used to seeing police in the area.”

Another resident, Kayleigh Bevis, said she was stood in her kitchen this morning when she looked out her window and could see police officers.

She said: “I wasn’t aware of anything last night, but the police have been here all day.”

Two men aged 26 and 29 from Burnley have been arrested and enquiries are ongoing. Detective Inspector Tim McDermott said: “I would like to reassure residents that there is no evidence of any ongoing threat to the wider public.

“However, at this stage, whatever substance was used and the container it was in remain outstanding. I would therefore urge anyone who finds any container in the area to leave it in situ and contact police.”

Call 101.