We understand from media reports that acid attacks in this country are on the increase. Between November last year and April this year, 408 cases have been reported in London alone.
The worrying figures published indicate that the number of acid attacks on people went up by an alrming rate in last six months.
Imagine yourself being confronted by a man carrying a container of acid and threatening to spray it on you. It must be a very frightening experience, worse than being stabbed with knife.
People who are victims would probably live the rest of their lives on a knife edge, being jittery and afraid to go out any time of day or night.
The Government is to review the law on the purchase and carrying of acid. The perpetrators should face the full force of the law. It has been suggested by some that tougher jail sentences for the culprits may be an answer.
Whatever the punishment is meted out to these cruel people, it must be severe enough to put a stop to this sometimes indiscriminate harming of people for the sake of a few pounds?
What needs to change is the person or the environment they are brought up in. The culprits and their victims need more support from their peers.
However, the poor victims of the crime would probably live the rest of their life on a knife edge having been maimed and disfigured for the rest of their life.
Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford
