In the Heart of Britain's Acid Attack Focal Point, Children Ride Bicycles Equipped with Laden Lucozade Bottles Containing Toxic Mixtures
Rising Acid Attacks in Newcastle: A Concerning Trend
Acid attacks, once a rare occurrence, are on the rise in Newcastle, a city within Northumbria Police's jurisdiction. According to recent data, Northumbria accounted for nearly 25% of all acid attacks in the UK last year, despite having only about 2% of the country's population. This represents a 49% increase in acid attacks in Northumbria between 2023 and 2024.
Dr. Simon Harding, a notable figure in the field, has described the upswing in acid attack cases as "very worrying." The data do not specify the perpetrators' ages, but the context of increasing socio-economic challenges, gang involvement, and ease of access to corrosive substances suggests that younger individuals may be involved in some of these attacks.
The city's high share of acid attacks relative to population size makes it a particular hotspot for this form of violence in the UK. ASTI executive director Jaf Shah has stated that there was a 49% increase in attacks in Northumbria, accounting for 25% of attacks across the country.
One of the most tragic cases is that of Paul Laskey, who was attacked with a mixture of battery acid and superglue, causing agonizing and catastrophic injuries that led to him losing sight in his left eye.
In such a situation, it is crucial to take immediate action. The most important thing to do is to carefully remove the chemical and any contaminated clothing and jewellery. However, it is advisable not to try to brush off acid with one's hands, as it can cause burns to the person trying to help. Instead, if the acid is in powder form, it can be brushed off using a piece of clothing to protect one's skin.
Protective clothing and gloves can also help shield one from acid during an attack. It is essential to protect oneself during an acid attack to avoid becoming a secondary victim.
The DIY store where a shopkeeper bought a five-litre bottle of acid for £13 enforces an age limit not to sell acid-based products to children. However, there have been reports of young children carrying Lucozade bottles filled with acid in areas like Byker.
In severe acid attacks, victims may require skin grafts and be referred to a specialist burns unit for surgery. In these cases, the physical and emotional recovery can be long and arduous.
While the number of acid attacks in Newcastle continues to rise, it is important to remember that help is available. If you or someone you know is a victim of an acid attack, seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to the police. Together, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of these violent attacks in our communities.
[1] Northumbria Police data on acid attacks [3] The Guardian, "Acid attacks: Northumbria Police record surge in cases," 2024 [5] BBC News, "Acid attacks: Northumbria Police see rise in incidents," 2024
- While unfolding medical-conditions, such as victims needing skin grafts and referral to specialist burns units, necessitate immediate attention and concern in the health-and-wellness sector, it is equally important to address the general-news concern of the rising trend in acid attacks, particularly in Newcastle, and the implications of such crime-and-justice incidents on society, such as the ease of access to corrosive substances and potential involvement of younger individuals.
- To contribute to a broader understanding of the rising acid attacks, it is essential to scrutinize related data and reports, as in the case of the findings by Northumbria Police and news articles published by The Guardian and BBC News. Such analysis can help highlight the significant increase in acid attacks in Northumbria, representing a 49% surge between 2023 and 2024.
- In light of the concerning trend of rising acid attacks, it is crucial to focus on preventive measures that ensure the health-and-wellness of individuals and foster a safer environment for everyone. Achieving this goal may require addressing issues like stricter regulations on selling acid-based products and increased resources for medical care, research, and education on the repercussions of such crimes on communities.
