Acid attacks have surged by 75 per cent with growing numbers of female victims, it has been revealed. Figures from police forces in England and Wales show at least 1,244 offences involving corrosive substances were recorded last year, up from just 710 in 2022.
The latest rise comes after a 69 per cent year-on-year increase was also recorded in 2022 as experts warn the escalating problem is a “huge concern”.
Worrying, only 8 per cent of attacks resulted in a perpetrator being charged, according to the figures from Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI). The charity has called for urgent action from the winner of the general election amid fears the true total is likely to be even higher due to under-reporting by victims.
The data, obtained via Freedom of Information Requests made to police forces, comes after a mother was critically injured in a horrifying alkali attack in Clapham, southwest London, earlier this year.
Abdul Ezedi had travelled to London from Newcastle to douse his former girlfriend in a corrosive substance in the 31 January attack, which also saw her two children injured.
Ezedi, 35, fled the scene but is believed to have taken his own life after his body was pulled from the Thames by police.
According to friends, the mother was still in critical care having lost sight in at least one of her eyes a month after the attack.
Esta historia es de la edición June 20, 2024 de The Independent.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 20, 2024 de The Independent.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Drunk, dissatisfied but full of depth: the man who tore down the highway to hell
Before he died aged 33 in 1980, Bon Scott left an indelible mark on AC/DC. On the 50th anniversary of his induction into the hard rock band, Mark Beaumont remembers a musician who became an icon of rock’n’roll anti-conformity
A fitness routine with real benefits eight hours later
Wellness expert Nicola Elliott looks at one thing we can all do that will make our nine-to-five feel happier and healthier
Australia beat the rain and England to win tight series
Ben Duckett’s century was overshadowed by England’s batting collapse in Bristol before the forecast rain arrived too late to spare them from an ODI series defeat to Australia.
Tension between City and Arsenal reaches a new level
Mikel Arteta tried to cool the rivalry after Pep Guardiola’s comments but more flashpoints in the title race look likely
Spurs outclass sorry United in Postecoglou's finest hour
Ten Hag’s tenure in tatters after another heavy home defeat
Russia says it shot down 125 Ukrainian drones in a night
More than 100 Ukrainian drones have been shot down over Russia, sparking a wildfire and setting an apartment block alight in one of the largest barrages seen over the country’s skies since the start of the war in February 2022.
Vance-Walz debate may be a turning point in US election
Poll shows 75 per cent of Americans plan to watch the event
Far-right Freedom Party on course for victory in Austria
The far-right Freedom Party had a lead over the governing conservatives in Austria’s national election yesterday and was well-placed for its first win in a parliamentary vote, a projection showed. But its chances of governing were unclear.
Israel 'wiped out' Hezbollah leadership in bombing raids
It is claimed that 20 members of militant group died in strike that killed leader Hassan Nasrallah, as Lebanon says a fifth of its population have been forced to flee
A look inside the safe house The Independent will build
With help from generous readers, our campaign will fund a refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence
