DETECTIVES have launched a manhunt after a corrosive liquid was thrown at a man causing his face to burn. 

The attack took place in Magdalen Street yesterday at 7.15pm. 

During the incident, four people - three men and one woman - made threats against the victim who was with a woman while the man was also beaten up. 

He was taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries, which included a burn to his face from the unknown liquid. 

The woman was not physically assaulted.

Three men involved in the incident were described as black.

One was about 29-years-old and is described as 6ft 3ins tall and had a squint in one eye.

He also wore his hair in plaits and had an east London accent. He wore a navy blue puffed jacket and blue jeans.

The second man was believed to be aged in his mid-20s, also 6ft3ins tall and was of stocky build.

He had a beard and moustache and wore a navy, hooded zip-up cardigan, with light coloured trousers.

A third man was about 25 years old, slightly taller at 6ft 4ins and of stocky build.

The woman is described as white, also about 25-years-old, 5ft tall and was slim.

She also had an east London accent and her dark brown hair was worn loose.

Police say the type of liquid thrown during the attack not known, but it is not believed to have been acid.

Detectives hope to find witnesses from a number of nearby shops which were open at the time. 

Anyone with information should contact Colchester CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.