A taxi driver allegedly sprayed chemicals into the face of a passenger.

Innes Williams was left screaming after "some kind of chemical," was thrown into his face in Loose, Maidstone, early on Sunday morning.

His mum, Sarah Bruce Maybourne, said: "I have never heard him (or anyone) scream so loudly and in so much pain.

"Thanks to a good neighbour, the fire service and paramedics he was doused and showered in so much water that there hopefully is no lasting damage. The fire officers had to peel his eyes open to get the saline in."

Mrs Maybourne says her son's clothes had to be cut off and taken away by police for evidence.

He was taken to Tunbridge Wells Hospital for treatment.

She added: "We have no idea as yet what it was but I could smell and taste it as he was holding onto me so tightly he was in so much pain. He was terrified that he’d lost his eyesight permanently."

A police spokesman said: "We received a report that a man was assaulted in Leonard Gould Way, Loose, at around 3.20am on Sunday 16 June 2019.

"The victim reported having an unknown substance sprayed at him following a dispute with a man and he was taken to a local hospital as a precaution.

"No serious injuries were sustained and he was released from hospital on the same morning.

"Inquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing."

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