A motorist was sprayed in the face by robbers who then drove off in his car.

The victim, a 23-year-old man, was parked in Woodhead Road, Lidget Green, Bradford, when a green Rover containing two men smashed into the side of his red Honda Accord.

When he got out to confront the men, he was sprayed in the face with a burning substance by the passenger, who had a scarf covering his face.

The attacker then drove off in the victim's car, while his accomplice sped off in the Rover.

Detective Inspector Noel Devine, of Bradford North police, said: "It is an unusual incident and we are looking in to there being potentially more than a motive to steal the car.

"The Rover had parked up and it looked as though they had been waiting for him. The victim was shaken, but he is all right now."

Det Insp Devine said possessing a spray was illegal and was being treated as a firearm offence.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the robbery and for information about the whereabouts of the Honda, registration R52 SVM.

The robber with the spray was described as being well built and about 5ft 11ins tall. He was wearing a thigh-length coat, a scarf over his face and gloves. His accomplice is described as white, aged 22 to 25 and slim. He has a light ginger, neatly-trimmed, short beard. He wore a grey hooded top.

Anyone with information about the incident, which occurred at 8.55am yesterday, should contact Bradford North helpdesk on (01274) 376259.