A teenager is due in court after a man was allegedly sprayed in the face with de-icer.

The victim, a man his 30s, was cleaning a door at an address in the Highbridge Retail Park, Waltham Abbey, on November 15 last year when he was sprayed in the face in an “unprovoked attack”, Essex Police said.

De-icer is mainly used to clear frost from car windows.

The victim was approached by a group of teens before allegedly being sprayed in the face. He wasn’t seriously hurt but reported experiencing irritation.

A 15-year-old – who cannot be named for legal reasons – has been charged with administering a noxious substance with intent to injure.

He will appear in court on a date yet to be decided.

Sergeant Rob Fitt, from the Waltham Abbey Town Centre Team, said: “My officers from the Town Centre Team have worked hard to achieve this charge and it highlights that we’ll do everything we can for a victim.

“The was an unprovoked attack but fortunately it did not cause any permanent damage.”

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