A worker returning from his late shift was sprayed with a toxic substance and beaten up in a homophobic attack.

A gang hurled abuse at the victim in Fambridge Road, Maldon, before a substance was squirted in his face, causing burns to his skin, mouth and eyes. 

He was taken to Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, after the vicious attack, which happened just before 3am on Sunday August 23. 

Police officers are still unsure what the chemical substance was.

Read the full exclusive report in this week's paper.