There has been a spate of 'acid' attacks across London with six people targeted in one night last week. Victims of the brutal crimes have spoken out about their experiences in a bid to raise awareness about the crimes, while Home Secretary Amber Rudd has called for harsh sentences.
The UK government has promised new measures to tackle the issue, including urging courts to impose life sentences where appropriate, or seeking age checks for those buying corrosive substances.
Minister Rudd said an overhaul of current guidelines would ensure those who used noxious liquids as a weapon felt “the full force of the law”.
“I am clear that life sentences must not be reserved for acid attack survivors,” she wrote in the Sunday Times.
Proposals to ensure acid and other corrosive substances can be classed as dangerous weapons are among the changes included in the shake-up.
As concern increases over such attacks, the London Ambulance Service has taken the step of issuing advice to people outlining what to do in the event that acid is thrown at them.
Acid is corrosive and when it comes in contact with the skin can cause intense pain and life-long injury.
After Dagenham, on July 4th, a heavily pregnant woman fell victim of acid thrown over her baby bump while her partner suffered injuries to his face in a horrific East London attack. The pregnant mother and man were rushed to hospital after being being sprayed with a corrosive substance in Bow, in the early hours.
The couple were walking along Mile End Road when they were approached by a man and sprayed with acid. Prosecutor Kavitha Tharson said: “A substance was thrown in the complainant’s face that burned him instantly.
“The girlfriend also had liquid thrown over her that caused her harm. The acid has gone on her tummy, I have no information as to the impact on the pregnancy.
“I can only assume some impact has been made.”
Mustafa Ahmed, 19, of Stepney, East London, appeared at Thames Magistrates Court on Tuesday 18 July charged with one count of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and one count of attempted wounding with intent to do great bodily harm. Ahmed, who currently lives with his parents and is studying at college, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.
His defence counsel Larry Matthews reportedly told the court that his client “emphatically denies” any involvement in the offences.
He said: “There’s no doubt that the attack was a horrible one and I am conscious of the fact that offences of this nature are a matter of public concern at the moment.
“It is an extremely serious allegation and if convicted there would be an extremely lengthy sentence.
“But he emphatically denies any involvement in this particular incident.
“He did so when interviewed by police yesterday.”
Ahmed was remanded in custody.
