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Arrest made over acid attack on aspiring model and cousin in east London

'I'm devastated. I keep wondering if my life will ever be the same,' says victim

Ian Johnston
Sunday 09 July 2017 19:09 EDT
The 24-year-old handed himself in at a police station on Sunday and is being held in custody
The 24-year-old handed himself in at a police station on Sunday and is being held in custody (PA Wire/PA Images)

A man has been arrested in connection with an acid attack on an aspiring model and her cousin.

John Tomlin was held on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent over the alleged attack in Beckton, east London, on 21 June.

The 24-year-old handed himself in at a police station and was being held in custody, Scotland Yard said.

​Resham Khan and Jameel Muhktar, 37, were attacked by a man throwing acid through their car window on Ms Khan's 21st birthday.

Both suffered life-changing injuries in the attack that took place just after 9.10am on Tollgate Road.

In the days afterwards, Ms Khan said: "I'm devastated. I keep wondering if my life will ever be the same."

Resham Khan in hospital following an acid attack on 21 June
Resham Khan in hospital following an acid attack on 21 June (Gofundme)

In a Facebook post, she stressed he did not want the incident to "fuel a division among people".

"There will always be a sick and twisted minority ... make peace with each other and the world," she said.

Mr Mukhtar has said he feels "emotionally wrecked" and "in continuous pain".

Jameel Muhktar, 37, speaking to Channel 4 News in hospital following an acid attack on 21 June
Jameel Muhktar, 37, speaking to Channel 4 News in hospital following an acid attack on 21 June (Channel 4 News/YouTube)

In an emotional interview with Channel 4 News, Mr Mukhtar described the feeling as "like somebody's ironing me 24/7".

Scotland Yard said their investigation into the incident was continuing.

Press Association contributed to this report

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