A POLICE officer who had liquid ammonia sprayed in his face when responding to an emergency callout is set to have surgery on his eye next week.

The Sergeant, who was one of seven officers injured in the incident in Ash Grove, Darwen, yesterday morning had been taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital with serious eye, throat and chest injuries but was subsequently discharged .

He is now recovering at home, supported by his family, friends and colleagues, a police spokesman confirmed.

The spokesman said: “The sergeant is back home and being supported by family, friends and colleagues. He is due to have surgery on his eye next week. He has expressed his thanks for the overwhelming messages of support.”

A 46-year old man from Darwen arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent continues to be questioned by detectives today.

Police had been called to Ash Grove at 2am following reports of a woman being threatened with a knife. After forcing their way into a house, they were sprayed with what is believed to have been an ammonia cleaning liquid.

All of the other officers, who are all constables, involved suffered less serious injuries and have been discharged from the hospital.