CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A TEENAGER who had a toxic chemical sprayed in his face feared the attack would end his hopes of a dream career in the army.

The attack which happened at the Fez Club in Bath, in the early hours of Sunday morning, blinded 19-year-old Alex Gibbon and left him traumatised.

Now recovering at home in Stockwood Road, Chippenham, he described the night as 'horrifying' and has vowed never to return to the club.

Mr Gibbon is due to join a paratrooper regiment at Catterick next month, and was worried his training efforts had been wasted.

He said: "After I was sprayed in the face I could not see or breathe. I was unsure whether I was ever going to be able to see again and thought all my fitness work in preparation for joining the paratroopers had been for nothing."

Panic descended upon revellers at about 1.15am when an ammonia-type agent was sprayed inside the club.

The venue was not evacuated but several people suffered the effects of the spray when it was released one man was taken to the RUH in Bath with minor injuries.

"I was just sitting in the corner of the club, having a few drinks with a group of friends," said Mr Gibbon.

"Some lad came over and stood there staring at us for a while. When I got up to ask him if he had a problem he sprayed me in the face.

"My eyes were very sore for a couple of days but I was relieved when doctors told me there was no permanent damage."

The former Sheldon School pupil said he was out with about 20 friends and the club was packed at the time of the attack. Police are still investigating the incident and say they are taking it 'very seriously'.

Police spokesman sergeant Bob Allard said: "The spray could have been very dangerous because it was released in a confined space. There could also have been injuries if people had rushed to evacuate."

The offender, who was with a woman wearing a mini-skirt, was thought to be from the Bristol area. He ran off towards the city centre and police are now checking for any CCTV evidence.

The attacker is described as a white male, around 6ft 3ins tall, of slim build with short, dark hair. He was wearing a long, dark coat which had a fur collar. Anyone with information can phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.