Probe launched after acid attack in Croydon

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a man had a corrosive substance thrown at him in Surrey Street, Croydon. At around 12.19am on Saturday, 1 December 2018, officers conducting mobile patrols were flagged down by a member of the public in Surrey Street where a male had been the victim of a corrosive substance attack. The 51-year-old victim had suffered severe facial burns. Officers at the scene immediately dowsed the victim’s face with water before he was taken by London Ambulance Service to a central London hospital where his condition, although not life-threatening, was and still is, potentially life changing. Police have arrested two males, aged 40 and 53, on suspicion of grievous bodily harm in connection with this incident. Both males have been released on bail to a date in mid-February pending further enquiries. Detective Constable Chris Dimmer of Croydon CID said: “This was a violent and vicious attack that caused serious injury and sight damage to the victim. I urge anyone who witnessed this incident or has information on concerning the identity of the suspects to contact police immediately.”