Acid attacks and other corrosive substance offences in the UK have risen by 75% in a year, but only 8% of cases result in criminal charges or summons, according to new data. The figures, obtained by Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI) through freedom of information requests, show 1,244 recorded offences in 2023, up from 710 in 2022. This includes 454 physical attacks and 790 other alleged offences, such as carrying corrosives or threats linked to crimes like rape or robbery.
ASTI warns that the true number is likely higher due to under-reporting and the absence of data from Police Scotland. Jaf Shah, ASTI's executive director, called for a greater focus on prevention, similar to strategies for gun and knife crime. He urged the government to increase funding for prevention initiatives and address underlying drivers such as socioeconomic inequality, deprivation, and lack of opportunity for young people.
The charity highlighted that while women and girls are increasingly targeted, acid attacks have historically been associated with male-on-male, often gang-related, violence. Where gender data was available, women made up 50% of all corrosive offence victims, rising to 59% for threats of violence. Northumbria police recorded the highest number of physical attacks (81 cases, 18% of the total), followed by the Metropolitan police (72 cases) across a much larger population.
Professor Francisco Figueiredo of Newcastle University noted a concerning rise in acid attacks, particularly in north-east England, where 80% of victims are young Caucasian males and 90% of cases go unreported. He described the use of noxious chemicals, especially ammonia, as a growing mode of assault requiring stricter regulations, better surveillance, and increased public awareness.
The data also revealed that in 32% of cases, the alleged victim identified a suspect but did not support further action, suggesting fear of reprisals. The findings come after the high-profile case of Abdul Ezedi, who died in the River Thames in February after allegedly attacking a woman and her daughters with a corrosive substance in Clapham, south London.
