A MAN was attacked with bleach and a blade in an attempted robbery in the small village of Little Houghton.
A 44-year-old man was walking along Middlecliff Lane at around 7.45pm on Tuesday when he was approached by two men on a single mountain bike.
The men, thought to be in their late teens, were wearing dark clothing with their hoods up and faces covered. One is thought to be about 5ft 10in tall with the other slightly shorter.
The man on the back of the bike sprayed a liquid, believed to be bleach, into the victim’s face as he crossed the road. They then made demands for money and when he didn’t comply, attacked him with a sharp weapon.
The victim was taken to hospital where he was treated for his injuries, which are not described as life-altering.
South Yorkshire Police detectives have now launched an investigation.
Coun Pauline Markham said the issue was raised at the Darfield ward crime and safety meeting on Wednesday night, and she has been contacted by residents worried by the violent crime.
She said: “Police said it was really unusual because the village doesn’t have hardly any crime. It has been a bit of a shock. It is very worrying because at the end of the day, your immediate reaction is to try and protect your belongings. But you really should let go.
“It has really shook people up in the village to be honest and we are all concerned by it.
“In Little Houghton the main crime has been flytipping at the bus turnaround, so this has come as a very big shock.”
Coun Markham said police told her a lot of recent crime in the Darfield ward has been committed by people from outside it.
According to the latest figures from the www.police.uk crime map, just one crime was reported in the Little Houghton area in the entire month of September.
Little Houghton parish councillor Kevin Osborne said: “We are a small close knit community and events like this one are truly shocking.
“I urge anybody with any information about the two people responsible to contact the police immediately. I’m sure all local residents will remain vigilant.”
Det Sgt Ritchie Mason, who is investigating the incident, said: “At this time, the liquid has been described to us as bleach and an investigation is now underway to identify the two men involved.Â
“This incident is a priority for our team and enquiries in the local area remain ongoing. We are looking to speak to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious around that time last night.Â
“The area where the incident occurred is close to the end of a lane, where there are various access points for cyclists and walkers. Â
“If you were in the area last night and saw the two men on the mountain bike, please get in touch with us. Information you have could prove helpful in identifying them.”
If you have information call 101 quoting incident number 861 of November 21 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
