Pizza delivery driver 'blinded in both eyes' after acid attack
Man 'fighting for his life' following incident
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A fast-food delivery driver who was attacked with acid has been left “fighting for his life” and may lose his sight in both eyes, police have said.
A 14-year-old was arrested following the attack and was being held on suspicion of committing grievous bodily harm.
The victim is believed to be Muhammed Nawshad Kamal, 32, who was working in the Walthamstow area of east London on Thursday evening.
Police said he was approached by two people on a scooter who tried to steal his moped and threw acid in his face “repeatedly”.
“This attack has left a man fighting for his life and with terrible eye injuries,” Detective Chief Inspector Gordon Henderson said.
“This was an innocent man going about his work as a delivery driver, who may never see again.”
Investigators said the attack happened in Walpole Road at around 6pm, just 30 minutes before a second corrosive-substance attack.
Delivery drivers have protested a lack of protection from acid attacks after being repeatedly targeted.
Investigators have warned corrosive substances are being used as an alternative weapon by robbers, who have also used them on pedestrians to steal phones.
A spate of attacks with corrosive substances has fuelled a rise in violent crime across England and Wales in the past year, with recorded offences up 13 per cent.
The Government has responded with stricter controls on the sale of acid and a law making it illegal to carry acid in a public place without a good reason.
Sulphuric acid – one of the most powerful substances used in the series of attacks – could become a reportable substance under the Poisons Act, meaning anyone wanting to obtain it will need a licence.
Anyone buying or selling banned acids in violation of regulations, which prohibits sales to under-18s, can be jailed for up to two years under measures currently being considered.