POLICE are hunting two masked burglars who forced their way into an Irvine man's house and assaulted him.

Detectives are appealing for information after the 40-year-old was sprayed in the face with an unknown substance by two assailants last night (Thursday, September 20).

Police say the man was asleep in his bed around 11.50pm in his Hunter Drive home when two unknown men wearing balaclavas entered the room and sprayed him in the face with the substance.

The suspects made off from the scene and emergency services were called.

The victim was taken by ambulance to Crosshouse Hospital for treatment to facial injuries. Medical staff describe his condition as stable.

Detective Sergeant Martin Prendergast from Saltcoats CID said: “Enquiries are at a very early stage to establish exactly what has happened here and why, however at this time we believe that the victim was sprayed with some sort of substance, causing him injuries.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Hunter Drive just before midnight and may have seen two men wearing balaclavas, or anything at all suspicious, to please get in touch.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Saltcoats CID via 101, quoting incident number 4451 of Thursday 20 September 2018. Alternatively you can call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.”