A man trying to protect his parents from raiders in their home was squirted in the face with suspected CS spray. The attack happened at a house in Shefford Road, Clifton, on Friday night when two masked men forced the front door of the property occupied b

A man trying to protect his parents from raiders in their home was squirted in the face with suspected CS spray.

The attack happened at a house in Shefford Road, Clifton, on Friday night when two masked men forced the front door of the property occupied by a couple in their 70s and their 45-year-old son.

The intruders, one who had a knife, demanded cash from the couple but were disturbed when their son came downstairs and immediately grappled with them.

During the struggle the son was sprayed in the face with what police believe was a CS spray and the offenders fled from the property empty handed.

The victim was taken to Luton and Dunstable Hospital where he was treated and later discharged.

Dc Louisa Glynn, who is investigating the incident, said both men wore black balaclavas and navy blue hoodies. She is keen to speak to anyone who saw them hanging around near the property at the time of the incident at 8.40pm, making off on foot or possibly getting into a vehicle.

Dc Glynn said: "This was a nasty incident and the son showed considerable courage by confronting the offenders who ultimately left with nothing.

"Shefford Road is a very busy street and it is possible someone will remember seeing something that, until now, they did not realise was suspicious."

Anyone with information should contact Dc Glynn, in confidence, on 01582 473331 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.