A man who claims he is the victim of two hate crimes says he is afraid to be in his own home.

Jimmy Sinclair, 59, of Circular Road in Betteshanger, says he had an unknown liquid thrown in his face when opening his front door, and what he believes to be petrol put through his letter box.

He thinks he is being targeted because of his sexuality and is urging police to speed up their investigations.

He said: “I’m frightened to be home alone or to go out but I know I have to leave the house to get stuff.”

The first incident occurred between 10.30am and 11am on Sunday, November 12 when Mr Sinclair was watching television at home on his own.

He said: “The door bell rang and the dogs were barking.

“I looked through the frosted glass and no one was there so I sat back down again.

“It went again so I l opened the door and as soon as I did it [the liquid] was in my face. It was so fast.”

The culprit had his face covered and ran off.

"I'm frightened to be home alone or to go out but I know I have to leave the house to get stuff" - Jimmy Sinclair

Mr Sinclair immediately felt a burning sensation so rushed to the bathroom to wash the liquid off before phoning his partner who later took him to hospital.

The jumper he was wearing has been handed into police for evidence.

The unknown substance caused a skin reaction which has taken two weeks to heal and he is still using a moisturiser prescribed by a doctor.

The following day Mr Sinclair and his partner of 15 years, Gary Norris, 60, arrived home in the evening to find what they believe was petrol dripping down their door.

Police have issued Mr Sinclair with a panic alarm and fitted fire alarms in the home.

A spokesman said: “Police are investigating a report a substance was thrown at a man in Circular Road, Betteshanger, between 10.30am and 11am on Sunday, November 12.

“At present no suspects have been identified and it is not known what the substance was.

“Officers are also investigating a report that a liquid was poured through the door of a home in Circular Road, Betteshanger. The liquid has not been identified.

“As part of their inquiries officers are assessing whether a hate crime has taken place.”