Acid attacks and other crimes involving corrosive substances surged by 75 per cent last year, according to a new report.
Shocking figures obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to police forces in England and Wales revealed that there were 1,244 offences in 2023 - up from 710 offences in 2022.
However, it is thought by charity Acid Survivor Trust International (ASTi), which conducted the research, that the UK figure is likely to be higher due to under-reporting and as Police Scotland did not provide data.
The charity has called on “urgent action by the new Government” and an end to “easy access” of corrosive substances.The economic cost of a corrosive attack in the UK, including for criminal justice and medical costs, is £63,000.
While the charity has said attacks have previously been associated with male-on-male gang violence, they are now increasingly linked to violence against girls and women.
The data comes after a mother was critically injured in a brutal chemical attack in Clapham earlier this year.
Abdul Ezedi, 35, had travelled to London from Newcastle to douse his former partner in a corrosive substance in the 31 January attack. The mother of two was with her children.
Ezedi, 35, fled the scene on foot but ihis body was recovered from the Thames by the Met’s Marine Policing Unit.
