Two hurt in new acid-assisted moped snatches

A CORROSIVE LIQUID was used as two fast food delivery drivers were attacked on Thursday, 2nd November by young men trying to steal their mopeds. The attacks took place in Walthamstow and Tottenham. 

•The first occurred at approximately 6pm on Thursday, 2nd November in Walpole Road, Walthamstow. Two men on a scooter drove up to a fast food delivery driver and tried to steal his moped. During the robbery attempt, police believe that a corrosive liquid was thrown at the victim‘s face.

The emergency services were called and the victim, a 32 year old man, was given medical treatment at the scene before being taken to an East London Hospital. Sadly, his injuries were very serious. He is still in hospital, in a life-threatening condition. There are unconfirmed reports that he has injuries to his face, including his yes, and also to his throat and windpipe and that he has been put into an induced coma to help his body recover. The police have confirmed that if he survives it is likely that he will have lost his sight in both eyes.

A 14 year old boy was arrested on suspicion of causing Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) on Friday, 3rd November in connection with this first attack in Walthamstow. He was taken to an East London police station for questioning.

•Around half an hour after the first attempted robbery, a second fast food delivery driver was attacked a short distance away – in Yarmouth Crescent, Tottenham. Again, the victim, also aged 32, was approached by two men on a scooter who wanted to take the delivery man’s moped – and a corrosive liquid was thrown at this victim too. He was less seriously injured, but he did need hospital treatment.

Of the first incident, Detective Chief Inspector Gordon Henderson of Waltham Forest CID said, “This attack has left a man fighting for his life and with terrible eye injuries. This was an innocent man going about his work as a delivery driver, who may never see again. This is not a time to hesitate, if you have any information about this crime I would appeal that you immediately call police. Your phone call could save some other innocent person; it is imperative that we arrest those responsible.”

Waltham Forest CID and Tottenham police are liaising closely over the incidents as there are such striking similarities.

•Anyone who was in the area of one of these attacks is asked to contact police.  This is particularly important if you saw the incidents, but even if you did not you should contact the police as you may be able to help police piece together the series of events. You should also contact the police if you have any other information. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111, where you can give information anonymously.

•Read more about it:
Dangerous drivers deliver death in The Highway
“Pure evil” Dagenham man guilty of GBH

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