A MAN was sprayed in the face with some kind of irritant in Poole on Saturday night.

The shocked man, who feared the liquid was acid, was attacked by two teenaged boys on bicycles.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital as a precaution

Dorset Police told the Echo that the unknown substance used in the attack was not believed to have caused any wider risk to the public.

Officers were called at 8.55pm.

A police spokesman said: "Following enquiries a 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possession of a weapon for the discharge of a noxious gas, electrical incapacitation device or thing and causing or administering a poison with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy.

"He has been released under investigation as enquiries continue."