Victim blinded in corrosive substance attack in Croydon

Two men in Croydon have become the victims of a corrosive substance attack, leaving one victim blinded.

An unidentified man approached the victims on Thornton Road, in Thornton Heath, shortly after 8am on Monday, December 7 2020.

The suspect, who was unknown to the victims, threw a cup of corrosive liquid over the two men before running away.

Both victims were hospitalised following the attack, with one of the victims now suffering from permanent loss of sight.

During his statement of the incident, one of the victims said that the same man had turned up at his home address in September, prior to the incident, claiming to have a letter for him.

When the victim proceeded to collect the letter, the man punched him in the face with a bicycle chain wrapped around his fist.

At this stage the identity of the attacker and the motive behind the incident remain unknown.

Detective Constable Dimitri Savathrakis, said: “This is a particularly shocking unprovoked attack which occurred in broad daylight during rush hour on a busy main road.

“I am urging anyone with any information to please come forward.”

No CCTV has been identified and detectives are now appealing for help to identify a man they wish to speak to in connection with the attack.

The suspect is described as a white or Asian man in his 30’s with a slim build.

At the time of the attack he was wearing a blue medical mask, a long black jacket with the hood up, black trousers and shoes.

If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting CAD1273/07DEC20.

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers, 100% anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers_uk.org.