UK to crackdown on acid attackers

Acid attack convictions in the UK could soon carry life sentences.

Acid attack convictions in the UK could soon carry life sentences with the government cracking down after a spate of attacks, including five assaults in London last week.

British Home Secretary Amber Rudd warned that an overhaul of current guidelines would ensure those who use noxious liquids as a weapon "feel the full force of the law".

"I am clear that life sentences must not be reserved for acid attack survivors," she wrote in the Sunday Times.

Proposals to ensure acid and other corrosive substances can be classed as dangerous weapons are among the changes included in the shake-up.

The government will also aim to put in place measures which restrict the sale of such substances.

On Saturday a 16-year-old boy was charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, possessing an item to discharge a noxious substance and robbery after five acid attacks took place in less than 90 minutes in London.

One person suffered life-changing injuries in Thursday night's attacks.

Earlier on Saturday, a 15-year-old boy arrested on Friday on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and robbery in relation to the attack was released on bail until a date in early August.


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Source: AAP



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