Gang 'throw liquid and burn' victim in horror attack as police launch manhunt
POLICE are searching for a gang of four people after a man had liquid thrown at him, causing burns to his face.
Police are searching for a gang of four people in their 20's after a 'liquid attack' in Essex
The man was involved in an altercation with the group in Magdalen Street, Colchester, Essex at around 7.15pm on Wednesday.
The gang of four had been verbally abusive to the man and a woman with him. They then beat him and threw liquid at his face outside a number of shops which were open at the time.
He was treated for injuries including a burn to the face however the liquid is not thought to be acid.
The woman was unharmed in the incident.
The liquid thrown at the man caused burns to his face, but is not thought to be acid
We are working with the Home Office to explore possible restrictions around the sale of corrosive substances
Police are looking to speak to the group in connection with the attack. The first man is described as around 29 years old and 6 feet 3 inches tall and had a squint in one eye.
The second man was believed to be in his mid 20s, also 6 feet three inches tall and had a beard and moustache. He was wearing a navy hooded zip-up cardigan with light coloured trousers.
The third man was around 25 years old and 6 feet five with a stocky build. The woman with them was white, and around five feet tall. She had an east London accent.
Police are also calling for witnesses as the shops close to the scene were open at the time.
CCTV captures shocking acid attack on takeaway driver
There has been a spate of attacks using hazardous liquids across the country over the past few months.
Earlier this month, following an incident in Stratford, London, the Metropolitan Police said that they were trying to extend the restrictions around the sale of corrosive liquids.
Chief Supt Ade Adelekan said: “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.”
Six people were injured after a noxious substance was thrown at the Stratford Centre. Three of the victims needed hospital treatment after they were hit with the substance following an altercation.