A man has been hospitalised after a 'random' acid attack on his doorstep in Dartford.

Police were called to Knights Manor Way in Temple Hill, at 4.50pm on Sunday (November 27), to reports of a man being assaulted on his doorstep.

A police spokeswoman said: "The victim reported having noxious liquid thrown at him."

The victim was taken to hospital with reported burn injuries to his shoulder and neck.

A friend of the victim said online: "It is believed it was a random attack, he has no grievance with anyone, he would not hurt a fly."

Police said the enquiries into the circumstances of the attack are ongoing.

District Commander for Dartford and Gravesham, Chief Inspector Tracey Quiller has spoken out to reassure the community.

She said: "At this stage we are treating this an isolated incident and do not believe there is any wider risk to the community.

"We’d like to reassure people that we will investigate this crime fully and enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing."

According to recent data, the number of acid attacks has surged in the last year, rising from 186 between 2014 - 15 to 397 in 2016 -17.

The victim remains in hospital.