POLICE have released images of three men believed to have been involved in an ammonia assault at a petrol station.

The incident took place on the forecourt of the Shell petrol station in Buckhurst Hill High Road at about 11.45pm on Tuesday November 20.

Three local men were buying items at the station shop when they became involved in a dispute with three other men who had arrived in a blue car.

During the altercation, one of the men went to the car and returned with a bottle containing a liquid - later found to be diluted ammonia - which he sprayed at the three other men.

One of the victims was sprayed in the face and - while temporarily blinded - was also punched twice, with the other two assailants joining the attack.

All three victims were taken to hospital and checked for the effects of the spray, but were not detained.

Police now want to interview Lee Marling, John Green and Nathan Woodman in connection with the assault.

Marling, 38, was last known to be living in the Bishop’s Stortford area. He is 6ft, of medium build and has brown eyes and short brown spiked hair.

Green is 32 and of no fixed address. He is 6ft, of slim build and has blue eyes.

Woodman, 23, was last known to live in the Abridge area. He is 5ft 10in and of slim build with brown hair and brown eyes.

He also has a 2in scar on the right side of his neck below his ear.

Anyone with information about the men or their whereabouts should contact investigating officer PC Paul Alcock or colleagues at the Ongar area investigation team on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.