London, UK – As authorities continue their search for the perpetrator of a recent corrosive substance attack in south London, it is important to understand the nature of such attacks, their prevalence, and the relevant legislation.
Corrosive substance attacks involve the intentional act of throwing acid or a similarly corrosive substance onto someone’s body with the aim to cause harm or even death. The effects of such attacks are immediate and excruciating, often resulting in life-changing disabilities, according to the UK charity Acid Survivors Trust International (Asti).
These substances are readily available from retailers, both in store and online, with strong household cleaners containing acids and alkalis. The increase in such attacks has prompted concerns about the ease of access to these substances.
While the Metropolitan police chief, Sir Mark Rowley, describes these attacks as “exceedingly rare,” reports indicate that there were 710 recorded attacks in England and Wales in 2022, a significant increase from previous years. The introduction of new legislation targeting the sale and possession of corrosive substances marked an effort to curb the rising numbers, with possession of these substances in public places now carrying a prison sentence of up to four years.
The trend of increasing attacks highlights the need for more stringent regulations and control over the availability of such dangerous substances. As authorities work to apprehend the perpetrator of the recent attack in south London, the focus remains on preventing future incidents and protecting vulnerable individuals from the devastating impact of corrosive substance attacks.