YouTube prankster who threw water in people's faces provokes angry response amid acid attack fears

An average of two real attacks are recorded each day across the UK

A Youtube prankster has been criticised after uploading videos of him throwing water in people’s faces.

In the footage, 22-year-old Arya Mosallah throws water into people’s faces in London months after an acid attack spree.

Several acid attacks in the capital have involved perpetrators using plastic bottles to spray corrosive substances in their victim’s faces.

The “prank” comes after figures were released showing the UK has one of the highest number of recorded acid attacks per person of any country in the world.

More than 400 assaults involving corrosive substances were recorded in the six months up to April last year, an average of two a day.

The video by Mr Mosallah, who uploaded the video on his “ItzArya” YouTube account, provoked an angry response.

“With the increasing number of acid attacks on the streets of London, this video is anything but funny,” one YouTube commenter wrote.

Another said: “I would be terrified and think it was acid, especially walking around London, acid attacks are becoming more common I really don’t think it’s an idea people should be promoting and mocking, shame.”

A third person commented:”People increasingly worried about acid attacks, and this guy is throwing liquid in complete strangers faces. Not funny in the slightest.”

Others on YouTube said Mr Mosallah’s actions constituted assault.

“I’m honestly surprised you haven’t been arrested for assault. These are not funny. Absolutely sick,” one comment said.

Another said “I haven’t been able to find a video of you NOT assaulting someone,” while someone else wrote: ”How can people find this funny? This guy should get arrested.”

Around 74,000 people “liked” the video.

Mr Mosallah said he would produce another video if he got 150,000 “likes.”

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told The Independent Mr Mosallah could have been arrested for the prank.

Causing “fear, alarm or distress to members of the public” is an offence under the Public Order Act, they said, adding: “We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of crime – through a prank or otherwise – to contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”