‘I’VE GOT ACID!’ Police hunt man who threw ‘cleaning fluid’ over punter outside pub
A MANHUNT has been launched for a thug captured on CCTV throwing what is believed to be cleaning fluid and shouting "I've got acid" at punters outside a Solihull pub.
The man was caught on CCTV throwing the liquid over punters
Detectives have released clear CCTV images of the attacker who leapt from a car before firing liquid from a bottle at a group of people outside The Chalice.
Police say the suspect, who was clutching a white bottle, shouted “I’ve got acid!” before launching what is thought to be an ammonia-based substance over people sat outside the bar.
The fluid hit one man in the face before the thug was driven away by an accomplice, outside The Chalice in Main Street, Dickens Heath, at around 8pm on Tuesday night.
PC Dave Spencer, of West Midlands Police, said: “Given the recent spate of acid attacks in London this was a hugely irresponsible act and very scary for the victim.
“The attacker shouted ‘I’ve got acid’ but we believe it was actually an ammonia-based cleaning fluid.
“The victim was wearing glasses which prevented the substance going into his eyes and he reacted quickly by picking up a dog bowl of water and throwing it over his face.
This image shows the suspect getting out of a grey car outside the pub
“He didn’t report feeling any burning sensation and was thankfully unhurt.
“It’s understood the attacker was in a car being driven anti-socially in Main Street and, when the group shouted for them to slow down, the pair jumped out and confronted them.
“We need to know who this man is and I’d urge anyone with information to contact me on the 101 number or call Crimestoppers anonymously.”
The attacker was dressed in a blue T-shirt, beige shorts, shoes and with a ‘man bag’ across his shoulder; he has dark hair, a closely cropped beard and is believed to be in his 20s.
The man, believed to be in his 20s, is wanted by police
The victim was wearing glasses which prevented the substance going into his eyes and he reacted quickly by picking up a dog bowl of water and throwing it over his face
Police have arrested a man suspected of driving the car, as well as seizing a vehicle and recovering a bottle containing a clear liquid.
A 21-year-old man from Solihull has been charged with a public order offence and is due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on August 16.
It comes after five acid attacks were carried out in just 90 minutes in London last week, with one victim with “life-changing” injuries.
Acid attacks are on the rise in London, with 431 victims last year alone - compared with less than 200 in 2014.
The man squirted the clear liquid over a punter before speeding off
TV presenter and model Katie Piper, who was also the victim of an acid attack in 2008, is among those calling for tougher sentences for perpetrators.
She said: "Lives can be destroyed in moments.
"Survivors of such attacks often have to live with the immediate fear that their attackers may still be at large, and in the longer term - even if the attackers are caught and sentenced - may be released to potentially live alongside them after serving a minimum term.
"I meet many inspiring individuals who have worked hard to rebuild their lives after an attack; however, it can be hard to stay motivated when the justice system does not always reflect the severity of these crimes."
Anyone who believes they recognise the attacker pictured in the CCTV is asked to contact PC Spencer via 101 (ext: 891 3092) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.