Police say an acid attack on an elderly homeowner by a would-be burglar in Perth was cowardly and vicious.
Detectives are searching for a man who allegedly threw a container full of phosphoric acid and paint on a 66-year-old after breaking into his Merriwa house in Perth's northern suburbs around early on Monday.
The offender entered the residence through the carport and picked up the container on the way.
The victim was asleep in front of the television when he was woken by the intruder, who hurled the liquid over him, inflicting chemical burns to his face and neck.
The offender was chased out of the house by the injured man's son and was last seen fleeing into a nearby park.
The elderly man suffered chemical burns and was rushed to hospital, where he is in a stable condition.
Detective Senior Constable Jamie Paterson said it was appalling that a man had been attacked while resting in his own home.
"This intruder knew full well that it was dangerous items that he was bringing inside," Det Snr Const Paterson told reporters.
"This attack is absolutely vicious and cowardly.
"Detectives are going to leave no stone unturned in looking for this person but we really need the public's help."
The offender had also attempted to steal the victim's car, but threw the keys in the driveway when he realised the elderly man's son had parked behind it.
The chemical smell from the attack was so strong that police had to retreat from the scene of the crime.
The offender, who was wearing dark clothing, is described as being in his 20s with dark skin and about five feet, seven inches tall.
