A Fleetwood man has been arrested after reports a woman had a substance, believed to be ammonia, thrown in her face.

Police were called to an address on Whinfield Avenue, Fleetwood, on Sunday (March 3).

A woman in her 30s was taken to hospital but was not seriously injured and has since been discharged.

Officer believe the attack was “isolated and targeted” and that there is no wider threat.

This morning (March 5) a 19-year-old man from Fleetwood was been arrested on suspicion of section 18 wounding. He is currently in custody.

A police spokesperson said: “We told you yesterday that an investigation was underway after a woman was [reportedly]  attacked at an address in Fleetwood and we wanted to give you an update.

“We wanted your help to find a man we wanted to speak to in connection with the attack and this morning a 19-year-old man from Fleetwood has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 wounding. He is currently in custody.

“To remind you we were called at shortly after 1.30pm yesterday (Sunday, March 3) to an address on Whinfield Avenue in the town after a report that the woman had a substance – thought to be ammonia – thrown in her face.

“The victim, a woman in her 30s, was taken to hospital but was thankfully not seriously injured and has since been discharged. 

“At this stage we believe the assault was an isolated and targeted attack and that there is no wider threat.”

Ammonia is a colourless, reactive gas that can be flammable. Solutions of ammonia can be corrosive when concentrated.

According to the Government website ammonia solutions can cause serious burns.

The website says: "Ingestion of ammonia solutions can cause pain and burns throughout the digestive tract. In severe cases the respiratory system, stomach and heart may be damaged and death may follow.

"Strong ammonia solutions may cause serious burns if splashed on the skin. At high concentrations, gases and fumes of ammonia can also cause corrosive damage to the skin. Splashes in the eye may cause damage which may be irreversible in some cases and can lead to loss of sight. The health effects of ammonia are usually immediate and long term effects would not be expected after exposure to small amounts."

The police investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log 0646 of March 3.