The victim of an unprovoked acid attack has appealed directly to his attacker. 

The 27-year-old from Rayleigh had corrosive liquid thrown in his face just before 11.30pm on June 3 in Kingsmere, Thundersley. 

The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous through fear of his life, was in Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford for more than four weeks receiving specialist treatment for his facial and shoulder burns. He is now recovering at home.

He said: "This will affect me for the rest of my life, I would like to ask my attacker one question, why did you do that to me?”

It had previously thought that this incident happened following a roadside altercation at the Rayleigh Weir roundabout a short time earlier, but subsequent police enquiries have now ruled this out.
Investigating Officer, Ds Mike Calvert, said: "This was an unprovoked attack which has caused appalling injuries to the victim”.

Detectives are still looking to identify and locate a man who is suspected of being involved in the attack. He is described as white, aged early 30s, is approximately 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins tall, is of slim build, has short light coloured hair.

At the time, he was wearing a light-grey polo shirt, blue denim jeans and a black hoodie.

Two people from Rayleigh, a 30-year-old woman from Rayleigh and a 28-year-old had been arrested in connection with this assault and released on police bail pending further enquiries. These enquiries have now been completed and they have been released from their bail without charge.


Anyone with information in connection with this assault is urged to contact detectives at Southend police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.