Police play down Stratford attack

ON SUNDAY MORNING, police re-assessed the acid attack which took place in Stratford on Saturday evening – and reported that the incident was more self-contained that had previously been thought.

The police confirmed that just before 8pm, an argument had broken out between two groups of young men in Stratford’s shopping mall. This had led to a brawl between the two groups – during which a noxious liquid was thrown around, injuring six men. The injuries they sustained are not life threatening or life changing.

A 15 year old boy was arrested at the scene, on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. He currently remains in custody at an East London police station and police investigations are continuing.

Chief Superintendent Ade Adelekan, Met Police Borough Commander for Newham, said: “I would like to be very clear concerning this incident. What initially may have been perceived as a number of random attacks has, on closer inspection, been found to be one incident involving two groups of males.

“I recognise the lasting impact on victims of corrosive substance attacks. Our response to such attacks is continually improving through training and joint working with partners and we are working with the Home Office to explore possible restrictions around the sale of corrosive substances in conjunction with retailers and manufacturers.”

Paul Gibson, Assistant Director of Operations at London Ambulance Service, confirmed that the Service sent appropriate resources to the scene to deal with events and confirmed that six people were treated at the scene, with three of them being taken on to hospital.

•Read more about it:
Stratford acid attack – six injured
Newham acid attack suspect in court

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