Image of man who threw acid on 13-year-old girl released in police appeal

Deaf and partially-sighted teenager was in aunt’s car when liquid was thrown through window

Police have released an e-fit image of a man suspected of throwing acid at a 13-year-old girl and 63-year-old woman in Thornton Heath, south London, on 8 April, 2019. (Metropolitan Police)

An e-fit of a man who threw acid at a deaf 13-year-old girl in south London has been released by police.

The teenager, who is also partially sighted, was in a car being driven by her 63-year-old aunt on County Road, in Thornton Heath, when the incident happened at about 11.30am on 8 April.

Metropolitan Police say the victims saw a white van coming towards them and attempted to move the car to the side of the road because there was not enough room for them both to pass.

A spokesperson added: “As she was trying to do this, the white van travelled forward so that it was parallel to the victim’s car.

“At this point, the victim wound down the driver’s side window to try and engage with the driver of the van, however before she could speak to the male driver, he squirted a liquid from a plastic ‘squeezy’ bottle hitting herself and her passenger.

“The suspect sped off from the scene along County Road before turning right onto Norbury Avenue.”

London Fire Brigade concluded the liquid thrown at the pair was sulphuric acid.

Detectives are urging anyone who was in the area at the time to check their CCTV and dash cam footage.

The suspect is described as a white man, about 40 years old, of chubby build, with ginger/grey hair a beard, and brown eyes.

At the time of the offence, he was wearing a black jumper.

Detective Constable Ben Briselden, who is investigating the attack, said: “Luckily, neither victim suffered any long-term damage; however they have been left extremely shaken by this ordeal, and we are committed to pursuing every viable lead to bring the perpetrator to justice.

“I am very keen to hear from anyone who might have been in or around the area of the attack at 11.30am on Monday, 8 April and could be a potential witness.”

Anyone who has any footage or information that they believe could help with the investigation is asked to call police on 101 and quote CAD 2677/09APR.

Alternatively, please tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.