A GOOD Samaritan suffered eye injuries after challenging three men he believed were trying to rob an elderly woman.

Two men went into the back garden of a 95-year-old widow and knocked on the window, claiming to be from Neighbourhood Watch.

While one talked to her, the other went into her home. She found that cupboards and drawers had been searched, but nothing seemed to have been stolen.

Three men were spotted walking away from the house by a 54-year-old man who was visiting a relative in the area and who thought they were suspicious.

When he approached them, he was sprayed in the face with a liquid that caused him pain and affected his vision. He has been released after treatment at Frenchay Hospital.

Yate Neighbourhood Inspector Caroline Howard said: "This man was simply being a good citizen. I am very grateful for his intervention and sorry for his injuries."

The incident happened at about 4.30pm on Friday, July 11 in St Andrews, Yate.

The suspects made off in a dark-coloured car towards Yate.

The first man was described as being white with a tanned face, aged about 50, about 5ft 11ins tall, of medium to heavy build with a square face and very neat dark collar-length hair in an off-centre parting. He wore a close-fitting knitted top and a dark blue coat.

The second man was also white, in his late 20s, about 6ft 2ins tall of slight to medium build, with short blond hair. He wore a white printed shirt, grey trousers, brown leather shoes.

A third man was also seen with them, who was also white, aged about 18, about 5ft 6ins tall, of medium build, with cropped dark hair and wearing a dark brown overcoat.

Anyone who recognises the descriptions or who has any information which might help police enquiries into the incident is asked to call Staple Hill CID on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.