London: The Acid Attack Capital

A UK problem

The UK, above all other countries, sees the most attacks carried out by use of corrosive substances. And within the UK, London is the city that sees the most of all. The number of attacks of this nature have seen a worrying increase in recent years from 77 in 2012 to 465 in 2017. And attacks tend to be focused around East London boroughs in particular, with Newham hosting the greatest number.

Why so popular?

These “Acid Attacks” are not a new phenomenon; reports of such attacks date back to the 18^th century. However, it is certain that in recent years, it has grown in popularity, especially amongst gangs, as a means to do harm. This may be due to a number of reasons:

1. It is easy to buy and carry a corrosive substance legally and without arousing suspicion. Something as simple as household bleach or other domestic cleaning products can do serious damage when coming into contact with eyes and skin.
2. It is difficult to prove malicious intent if found carrying a caustic substance. Currently police officers need adequate suspicion to confiscate substances.
3. The penalty is significantly lighter than for a knife crime: if caught having attacked someone with ‘acid’, the sentence would be GBH; with a knife attack, it would be attempted murder.

Advice for Victims

The NHS and BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) have published the following advice for anyone attacked with a corrosive substance:

Report the attack: dial 999

Remove contaminated clothing carefully

Rinse skin immediately with running water

• When removing clothing from affected areas, gloves or other protective materials should be used to cover the hands and should be cut away rather than pulling them off.
• Skin should be rinsed continuously with clean running water rather than wiped, to avoid spreading the substance.
• Dry chemicals can be brushed off the skin.

Changing the rules

Corrosive substances are now categorized into two areas: ‘regulated’ and ‘reportable’ substances.

Since March 2016, regulated substances (those containing high concentrations of certain chemicals) now require application and approval by the Home Office to own and use. Reportable substances can still be purchased without a licence, but retailers must report suspicious transactions as well as significant losses or theft.

Clearly, this is a growing problem and one that can significantly impact the victim, both physically and psychology, for the rest of their life. We need to be vigilant for ourselves and our communities and work together with law enforcement to buck this worrying trend in our city.