Acid attack on toddler

POLICE IN Russia are hunting a hooded man who threw sulphuric acid in the face of the daughter of a leading footballer. Oleg Veretennikov, 28, a striker with Rotor Volgograd and Russia's top scorer, was out walking with Tanya, two, in the city when she was burnt in the face, and he received hand injuries.

Police suspect an embittered fan may be responsible. Rotor Volgograd came fourth in Russia's premier league this season, down from second last year.

Violent crime has increasingly infected sport in Russia, because of the high financial stakes and the country's economic decline. A senior female official at the football team Spartak Moscow and the head of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation have been shot dead since April.