Woodford Green acid attack: man suffers horrific facial burns as police hunt suspect following 'unprovoked' attack

WARNING: this article contains distressing images
Ella Wills23 July 2018
WEST END FINAL

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Shocking images have revealed the horrific injuries sustained by a man whose life was "changed forever" following an unprovoked acid attack in east London.

Andrew Walker, who waived his right to anonymity, was opening the boot of his car on Waltham Road, Woodford Green, in January when he was sprayed with acid.

Pictures today released by the Metropolitan Police show the extent of the 36-year-old's injuries, including extensive burns and scarring to his face, arms and left side of his body.

Mr Walker said he is "constantly reminded of the pain [the suspect] caused" with the attack.

CCTV images have also shown a man police wish to speak with in connection to the incident.

Victim: Andrew Walker said his life is 'changed forever' after the attack

Emergency services scrambled to the scene at around 9am on January 20 following reports of a suspected noxious substance attack, Scotland Yard said in a statement.

Mr Walker was rushed to an east London hospital suffering facial injuries.

Mr Walker suffered injuries to his arms, face, and left side of his body

He had turned away from his vehicle after hearing a noise behind him when he was attacked, police said.

The victim told officers that the suspect was a young white male, who was later spotted on camera getting into a red BMW 1-series.

Police are treating the "entirely unprovoked" attack as grievous bodily harm with intent.

The suspect was seen getting into a red BMW 1-series

Mr Walker said in a statement: "The person who attacked me changed my life forever, and I am constantly reminded of the pain they caused when they randomly attacked me earlier this year.

"I would urge anyone with any information to come forward to the police as soon as possible so that this person can be put behind bars and won't be able to harm anyone else for a long time."

Lead investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Piscopo said: "This was a shocking attack on an innocent man going about his daily business.

"He has received life-changing injuries, including extensive burns and scarring to his arms, face, and the left side of his body.

"At this stage, we are unsure as to what the motive for this was attack was or why someone would want to harm Mr Walker in this way.

"We're releasing the CCTV images in the hope that somebody will recognise the suspect and get in contact with us.

"It shows the suspect running away and a red car, which we also believe to be involved.

"I would encourage anyone with information to contact us on 0208 345 2714 or tell us what they know anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers."

There have been no arrests in the investigation.

Anyone with information on the incident, or who may recognise the male shown in the CCTV is asked to contact police on 0208 345 2714 Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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