A man was temporarily blinded during a robbery on Friday.

A 51-year-old man was walking along Park Gate in Hitchin at about 6.10pm when he was approached by another man.

The offender grabbed the victim, causing them both to fall to the ground.

Another man then sprayed the victim’s eyes and face with an unknown substance and kicked him.

The two offenders demanded money from the victim before making off from the area withhis wallet, which contained £80.

The victim sustained temporary blindness and soreness to his eyes and face, as well as a cut to his neck.

The first offender is described by police as black, around 5ft 6in tall, and was wearing a red beanie hat with tassels hanging down either side of his face and a dark coloured puffa jacket at the time. He also had a scar on his left cheekbone under his left eye.

The second offender is described as black, and slightly taller than his accomplice.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Steve Cook via the non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number G1/13/2465. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.