DETECTIVES hunting a dangerous acid attacker who almost blinded a Southampton hairdresser are still busy following up new lines of inquiry generated by a nationwide television appeal.

Police received around 75 calls from members of the public after the horrendous attack was reconstructed on the BBC's Crimewatch UK series last week.

Today DC Kate Gunson, a leading member of the Operation Riverbourne squad investigating the assault, said the team was ploughing through possible new leads.

It is understood several names of mental health patients have been put forward in the hunt for the bizarrely dressed attacker, who wore a bright orange wig, tartan cap and blue boiler suit.

Altogether the programme resulted in around 60 calls to the BBC's London studios, where three Hampshire detectives helped man the phones, and another 15 direct to the incident room at Hulse Road divisional police headquarters in Southampton.

Viewers rang in after seeing the vicious crime reconstructed on television, followed by an interview with victim Andy Sinclair.

The 51-year-old, who is still undergoing treatment at Odstock specialist burns unit in Salisbury, described how he saw his clothing and skin dissolving before his very eyes after the clown-like figure threw what he thought was oil over him.

But the substance turned out to be sulphuric acid, which left him with severe burns to his face, arm and chest.

Last week Det Insp Nigel Niven, leading the inquiry, told Crimewatch viewers: "If he wasn't wearing glasses, he would have been blinded.

"He has got permanent facial disfigurement. The acid ran all the way through his clothing and actually into his body."

Mr Sinclair's attacker fled on an old-fashioned pushbike before transferring to a motorbike after the seemingly motiveless assault at his salon in Victoria Road, Woolston, around 3.30pm on June 12.

Anyone with information should call the Operation Riverbourne team on 0845 045 4545, or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.