Hope he is ok - Did the police catch them..? I found this from 'nunhead_man' post above - http://www.selfdefenceweaponsuk.co.uk/legal-pepper-spray-uk and also this: http://www.ukpreppersguide.co.uk/uk-legal-pepper-spray-alternative-for-women its a red dye criminal identifier spray. They are both good articles - I have bought some for my family to carry now.