Terrifying rise of chemical attacks in Britain, including Clapham horror and 'mystery substance' thrown over woman in pub

There has been a shocking rise in the number of chemical attacks in Britain – with the highest number ever recorded: more than 700 in one year alone.

The surprising statistics came to light just days later one woman was left “burning” and blistered when a mysterious substance was thrown on her in a pub in Basingstoke, Hampshire.

4

4

4

4

The attack came like London Police continue to hunt Abdul Ezedi, who injured 12 people in the Clapham chemical attack a mother and her two daughters.

The highest figures to date were in 2022, when as many as 710 acid attacks were recorded in Britain.

This was a sharp increase from the previous year, when 421 attacks were recorded.

Acid Survivors Trust International (Asti) charity said attacks in London rose by 45% last year and in England and Wales by a whopping 69%.

In 2022, women were targeted in 339 cases, men in 317 and in the remainder the gender of the victim was unknown.

The figure of 710 is the highest number of recorded attacks in the world, with the majority of victims being women.

Professor Aisha K. Gill, professor of criminology, Center for Gender and Violence Research at the University of Bristol, said most attacks stem from a desire to disfigure someone – rather than kill them.

She said MailOnline“As these attacks become more common, the criminal justice system must ensure its response is based on the perspectives of survivors who have experience of current responses.

“Furthermore, it must be able to influence and scrutinize the guidance and training of the national police to better understand the underlying motivations of perpetrators.

“However, protecting acid victims and working to prevent this form of gender-based violence is not just a matter of legal, police policy and practice; acid attacks can only be eradicated through social change.”

On Saturday, a woman was attacked in The Golden Lion pub as shocked onlookers watched as an unknown mixture was poured over her head.

She was left with burns on her back and was forced to cut her hair her due to matting due to the fabric.

The woman, who was left blistered and red, is said to have tried to leave when the horror revealed itself.

Police have arrested two men on suspicion of attempted intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm court in May.

Hampshire Constabulary is now pleading with witnesses to come forward after the woman, who wore a leopard print top, was left “extremely distressed”.

And while the Met Police are still looking for Ezedi, who attacked a young family in Clapham, they are said to believe he drowned in the River Thames.

The 35 year old Afghan refugee has not been seen since the night he allegedly doused a mother and her daughters with a scorching corrosive liquid.

He was last seen on CCTV near the bridge just before 11.30pm on January 31, four hours later. the attack in Clapham, South West London.

One source told The Sun: “The investigation team believe Ezedi died shortly after he was last seen on camera on the north side of the river.”

However, Police were still seen searching the river between Vauxhall and Chelsea bridges on Saturday morning.

A victim of chemical attacker Ezedi has claimed in recent days that he was in the country just because church leaders supported his asylum application.

The woman became friends the 35 year old, but said he started harassing her for sex.

It led to him exposing himself to her without warning in 2017 and pulling down her pants.

Ezedi – who sneaked into Britain in the back of a truck the year before – pleaded guilty and was given a 45-week prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Two asylum claims against him were rejected, but a third was successful after a priest gave him a character reference when he 'converted' to Christianity.

His victim said she was disgusted that he had not been locked up and was angry again when she heard he had been allowed to stay in Britain.

Meanwhile, Katie Piper, who was attacked in a similar horror attack in 2008, has has donated £1,000 to the mother where Ezedi threw chemicals.

The Loose women star40, endorsed the online page to support the mother and her two children during their recovery.

Katie urged others to donate to the GoFundMe, which had raised more than £37,000 last night.

She posted: “As many of you know, treating burns is a long process, so exceeding the target will still be much needed.”

She added: “Thank you to everyone who donated. Your kindness and generosity do not go unnoticed.”