A CAR was cordoned off by police investigating an assault and searched by firefighters after a 'corrosive substance' spill.

It was initially reported that a crew from Portland Fire Station were called to Coode Way at Osprey Quay, Portland last Wednesday for what the brigade described as a 'hazardous substance' incident.

READ MORE: Fire crews called to chemical incident at Coode Way

Now the Echo has obtained further details from Dorset Police about the incident.

The force said it received a report at 9.30pm on Tuesday, March 12 of an assault inside a vehicle.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "It is alleged that a woman was assaulted by a man.

"During the incident, it is reported that a corrosive substance was believed to have spilt in the vehicle. As part of the investigation, officers located a vehicle in Coode Way on Portland.

"On Wednesday, March 13 the fire service attended and carried out an examination of the car.

"Following enquiries, a 30-year-old man from Portland was arrested on suspicion of assault and having a corrosive substance in a public place. He has been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

"An investigation is continuing into the incident. The arrested man and the victim are known to each other."

Police said there is no suggestion that the substance - which they are not identifying - was used during the incident. 

Fire crews attended to search the car and remained on scene for nearly two hours to ensure the area was safe.

A spokesperson from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "A crew from Portland were called to Coode Way, Portland, at 3.22pm to assist our police colleagues with an incident involving a hazardous substance."