A MAN has suffered serious injuries after masked raiders burst into his home as he slept and sprayed a chemical in his face.

William Orr is recovering in hospital after two men forced their way into his Hunter Drive home last week in what is thought to be Irvine’s first ‘acid attack’.

Mr Orr, 40, was asleep when the two men barged into his bedroom on Thursday (September 20) night at around 11.50pm and sprayed him in the face with “an unknown substance”.

Police say the substance is being tested, but sources told the Times it is believed to be acid.

Neighbours and friends spoke of their shock at the horror attack and described Mr Orr as “a good guy”.

A source told the Times: “He’s a good guy.“

He’s quiet so it’s quite shocking for something like this to have happened.”

Police are now hunting the assailants, who were wearing balaclavas when they entered the room. 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 described 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.”

Check our website at irvinetimes.com for the latest updates on the attack.