Teenager sprayed with noxious substance and viciously assaulted with knuckleduster in unprovoked attack in Greenwich

Police are appealing for witnesses after an 18-year old was left with serious injuries following an assault with a knuckleduster and sprayed with a noxious substance.

The victim had been making his way home on a Route 286 bus in Greenwich after a night out. He got off at Bexley Road and was approached by three men.

The victim tried to move out of their way before they began to harass him.

A spat then followed where the attackers swore aggressively at the victim before one pulled out a knuckleduster and punched him repeatedly in the face.

Another attacked pulled out a small bottle containing a clear liquid and threatened the victim before spraying it at him.

The men are then believed to have run off towards Avery Hill Road.

The victim made his way to hospital where police were alerted. He sustained a fractured eye socket and a broken nose.

Police were called at 12:50am on Saturday, June, 16 to the hospital in south-east London.

The suspects are all described as white and aged between 18 and 25 years old. They were all wearing tracksuits. The attacker who punched the victim had short blond hair and was around 5ft 10ins tall.

The second and third suspects were also around 5ft 8ins tall and also had short blond hair.

Tests are ongoing to determine what the substance was.

Detective Constable Dan Newbury, of Greenwich Borough, said: “This is a truly vicious assault; the victim was minding his own business on his way home when these three males have confronted him and left him with injuries that are possibly life-changing.

“Were you in the area at this time? Did you see three males running towards Avery Hill Road? If so I would urge you to tell us what you saw as soon as possible.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information contact Greenwich via 101 quoting 256/16 June.

Or, tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.