Watford 'chemical attack' see suspect description released

A man in his 40s was taken to hospital in a stable condition as emergency services cordoned off part of Whippendell Road on Saturday, May 11, at around 5.40pm.

The attacker is described as a white man of slim build, between 24 and 27 years old and around 6ft tall, with fairly short curly blonde hair. 

Firefighters with breathing equipment entered the cafe to remove the injured man on Saturday. (Image: Cllr Nigel Bell)He has a distinctive mole on his left cheek, and was wearing a white T-shirt and grey jacket at the time, according to police.

Emergency services were called after the victim entered Cafe Cidade claiming someone he knew had sprayed a foam-like substance on his face while trying to steal his money.

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The victim reported ran into Cafe Cidade pleading for help. (Image: Cafe Cidade)Residents were told to stay indoors as a 100-metre cordon was installed for several hours and firefighters wearing breathing gear removed the person from the eatery.

Cafe owner Karine Pinto said she has struggled to sleep following the incident. (Image: Karine Pinto)Cafe Cidade owner Karine Pinto told of her shock as several emergency services attended the incident: “When the police came with that protection for chemicals, I got very scared because I saw the things were really getting serious.”

Whippendell Road and the areas around it were cordoned off by police for several hours. (Image: Contribution)Police have said it is believed to be an isolated incident, while investigations to identify the alleged chemical used proved “inconclusive”.

The victim's injuries were not life-changing or life-threatening, the force confirmed.