Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement that five people have been arrested in connection with the incident in Paignton, Devon, on a selection of different charges
A man in his 30s has been left fighting for his life after a “corrosive substance” was flung on him in a shock incident that has seen police swarm a small seaside town.
Devon and Cornwall Police have issued an urgent plea for witnesses after two men reportedly approached the victim on Victoria Street in Paignton, Devon at around 1.10am on November 21. They proceeded to throw a chemical substance at the man, who has since been hospitalised in critical condition, and faces life-changing injuries.
Officers have arrested five people in connection with the incident on multiple charges as investigations into the shock attack begin this week. The service said in a statement that it would step up its local policing, with a “heightened presence” in the area and called on the public to provide information.
Police said they have arrested a 46-year-old man from Paignton on suspicion of applying a corrosive fluid with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and a man and a woman, both aged 44 and also from Paignton. The two 44-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.
Officers also arrested a 43-year-old woman from the same town on suspicion of wounding with intent, and a 22-year-old man, also from Paignton, on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement that all of those involved are believed to be known to each other.
They have since been released on police bail, pending further enquiries. Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement: “Anyone who witnessed the incident and anyone with information is asked to contact police via our website here or by calling 101, quoting reference number 50240295242. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.”
