20 noxious substance attacks reported in Telford
Lighter fluid, hot water, acid and petrol have been used in attacks in assaults in the region, figures have revealed.
West Mercia Police said there were 20 substance attacks in Telford between April 1, 2012 and May 31, 2017 - the highest in the force area.
A Freedom of Information request revealed the substances involved in the attacks in Telford and Wrekin included alcohol, bleach, hot drinks, hot water, lighter fluid, Lucozade, and petrol.
The injuries reported ranged from reddening to second degree burns and blisters.
The town with the second highest number of noxious substance attacks was Redditch, with 19 attacks, then Shrewsbury with 17 reports of attacks.
In Shrewsbury the substances used in the reported attacks ranged from burning rubber, acid, bath water, CS gas, petrol and lighter fluid.
The reported injuries included burning and reddening, temporary loss of sight, severe burns and blisters.
Elsewhere in Shropshire, there were two reports in Bridgnorth, in these cases one was a drink and one was hot water.
In Broseley there has been one case of tea being thrown.
There were three reports in Ellesmere, which were alcohol, antiseptic and hot water.
In Ludlow there was one case of bleach being thrown.
Chilli liquid and hot water were two cases reported in Market Drayton, while in Newport bleach was reported to have been used in an attack.
Hot onions and weed killer were noxious substances used in attacks in Oswestry.
Lighter fluid was the substance used in the only reported noxious substance attack in Whitchurch.
Inspector Paul Arnold said that police take reports of noxious substance attacks seriously.
He added: “Noxious substances attacks referrer to a wide range of substances from hot water to chemicals.
“For the Telford policing area attacks such as this are a rarity with 20 reported cases over a five year period. Police take reports of noxious substances attacks seriously and respond accordingly.
“If a person has been a victim of such an attack our first priority is to the well-being of that person and we will liaise with partner agencies to ensure that the victim receives the support they need.”
