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Teenager sprayed with unknown liquid during street squabble in Maidstone

A street squabble left a teenager fearing for his sight after being sprayed in the face with a red liquid.

Police were called to Huntsman Lane, Maidstone, following reports of a disturbance involving neighbours.

Barnaby Harrison was covered in a red substance after the attack
Barnaby Harrison was covered in a red substance after the attack

Nineteen-year-old Barnaby Harrison reported being squirted in the face when he says he stepped in to calm a row involving his neighbours.

Mr Harrison was returning home when he stumbled across the dispute.

The retail assistant initially managed to diffuse the situation and separated two men, but was attacked with the substance when the pair returned a short while later, he states.

He said: “All of a sudden, I was sprayed in my face, my eyes and my hands. It was burning and I was scared. My hands were in so much pain.”

He also suffers with a heart condition and was worried the spray would make him sick.

Leslie Roberts owner of Maidstone Springers
Leslie Roberts owner of Maidstone Springers

Mr Harrison, who was treated by paramedics, added: “I also have a blood pressure condition and I was so worried whatever was in the spray was going to badly affect me.”

Neighbour Leslie Roberts, who runs the Maidstone Springers dog boarding service from his home, told the KM he reached for the spray because he felt threatened.

He said the substance was Farbgel, which had been bought online. It is marketed as a legal self defence spray and does not contain any harmful or corrosive chemicals.

The 62-year-old said: “He came at me swearing and putting his hands on my face. I didn’t lay a hand on him. I was just defending myself.”

He said the initial trouble started between him and his lodger who he had evicted after he discovered damage in his house.

Police confirmed they were called to reports of an assault on Huntsman Lane, around 11.45pm last Friday, and nobody was seriously injured.

Barnaby Harrison was covered in a red substance after the attack
Barnaby Harrison was covered in a red substance after the attack
Barnaby Harrison was covered in a red substance after the attack
Barnaby Harrison was covered in a red substance after the attack

One man was arrested and released under investigation.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

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