Police are appealing for witnesses and information following an acid attack on man in South Acton last Friday (3rd September)

At around 5.55pm a 42 year old man went to Acton police station complaining of having acid thrown in his face.

London Ambulance Service were called and the victim was taken to a west London hospital where he was treated for major burning to his eyes, face and upper body. His condition is now stable and it is believed there will be no lasting damage to his eyesight, although it could take up to a year for the burns on his face to fully heal.

It is believed the victim was walking in the South Acton Estate between 5pm and 5.30pm. He used an alleyway between Church Road and Barrington Court and saw two black men at the end of the alleyway, one wielding a wooden baseball bat.

Fearing that he would be attacked, the victim turned and ran from the alleyway and up some steps near to Barrington Court that led to Mill Hill Grove.

The victim tripped on the steps and fell to the ground. Whilst on the ground, the man who did not have the baseball bat took a bottle out of his jacket and poured a substance over the victim. Police are keeping an open mind re a motive for the attack.

DC Andy Dawson, who is leading the investigation said, �This appears to be a violent and motiveless attack, and the victim has been fortunate not to lose his sight. We are keen to hear from anyone that may have been on the South Acton Estate at approx. 1700 in the area of Barrington Court who may have witnessed the attack".

Anyone who could assist the investigation is asked to call Southall CID on 0208 246 1017 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.

September 10, 2004