A routine shopping trip turned into a nightmare for a young mother and her baby son after a shocking and deliberate chemical attack in a Worcester supermarket.
The horrific incident occurred at the Home Bargains store on the Tything on Thursday afternoon, leaving both victims with significant burns.
A Vicious and Targeted Assault
West Mercia Police have confirmed they are treating the attack as a deliberate and targeted act. According to reports and witness statements, a stranger approached the pram and callously poured a corrosive liquid over both the mother and her infant.
Emergency services, including paramedics and police, rushed to the scene. Both victims were immediately treated for what were described as chemical burns before being transported to a specialist medical unit for further care.
Community Left Reeling in Shock
The brutal nature of the attack has sent shockwaves through the local community in Worcester. Shoppers and staff at the store were left traumatised by the event, which unfolded in a place normally associated with mundane, everyday errands.
Local authorities have moved quickly to reassure the public. A spokesperson for West Mercia Police stated that this is believed to be an isolated incident and that a dedicated investigation is underway to locate the perpetrator.
Major Manhunt Underway
Detectives have launched a full-scale manhunt for the individual responsible. While no motive has been officially confirmed, the police's assertion that it was a targeted attack suggests the perpetrator may have known the victim.
Officers are currently reviewing extensive CCTV footage from the store and the surrounding area and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward with information.
This disturbing event highlights a terrifying breach of public safety and has raised serious concerns, leaving a community searching for answers and a family recovering from an unthinkable trauma.
