A policeman was attacked by a burglar when he tried to stop him during a break-in.

The off-duty officer challenged the man when he spotted him using a screwdriver to try and break in through the ground floor window of a house in Yeoman Way, Bearsted.

The policeman, who just happened to be passing at the time, was sprayed in the eyes with ammonia, causing severe damage. The officer needed hospital treatment.

DI Kris Hill said: “We are taking the unusual step of releasing an efit following this particularly nasty assault.

"I would like the public to think long and hard about whether they have witnessed suspicious activity, especially around anyone carrying or purchasing ammonia to use it as a potential weapon."

The incident occurred at around 8.15pm on November 10 but details have only just been released.

The offender is described as a white man, of small build, 40-50 years. He was unshaven and wearing a dark, long-sleeved top and a black beanie hat.

If you have details, contact police on 01622 690055 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.