Detectives investigating two separate acid attacks, including one which has left a man critically injured have made an arrest.
A 14-year-old boy [A] was arrested on Friday, 3 November on suspicion of GBH in relation to an attack in Walthamstow and taken to an east London police station for questioning.
At about 18:00hrs on Thursday, 2 November on Walpole Road, Walthamstow, the victim – a fast food delivery driver – was approached by two men who were on a scooter.
The men attempted to steal the victim’s moped and, during the course of the attempted robbery, police believe a corrosive substance was repeatedly thrown on the victim’s face.
Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.
The victim, a 32-year-old man, was treated at the scene and taken to an east London hospital.
He remains in hospital in a life-threatening condition and is likely to lose the sight in both eyes.
Police are continuing to appeal for information.
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.”
Detectives are also investigating a second incident in which a corrosive substance was used
A short time after the Waltham Forest attack, at about 18:30hrs, on Yarmouth Crescent in Tottenham, a second man was also attacked with a corrosive substance
This man, also a 32-year-old delivery driver, was approached by two men on a scooter who attempted to steal his moped. Again a corrosive substance sprayed on his face.
This man was also treated in hospital, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
It has not been established whether the two incidents are linked, but it is an active line of inquiry and detectives in Tottenham and Waltham Forest are liaising closely.
There are no arrests at this time and enquiries continue.
Anyone with information about either attack is asked to contact police on 101 or contact via Twitter on @MetCC
If you do not want to give your name, you can contact Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or give information online at crimestoppers-uk.org.