POLICE in Britain have released images of three men they want to trace in relation to a ‘deliberate’ suspected acid attack on a three-year-old boy.
The young victim is being treated in hospital for serious burns to his face and arm after the incident on Saturday afternoon.
A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.
Motive unclear
The attack on the toddler took place at around 2.15pm in Home Bargains on Shrub Hill Retail Park, Tallow Hill, Worcester.
Chief Superintendent Mark Travis from West Mercia Police said: “At this time we are treating this as a deliberate attack on a three-year-old boy.
“The incident will rightly shock the local community and I would like to reassure local people that we are carrying out a thorough investigation to identify those responsible.
(Images: West Mercia Police)“At this time, the motive for the attack is unclear. Officers are working hard to establish exactly what happened and what the substance involved was.
“The three men in the photo may have information vital to our investigation.
“I am sure someone will recognise them and I would urge anyone with information to contact us as a matter of urgency.”
'Appalling'
Robin Walker, Tory MP for Worcester, described the incident as ‘appalling’.
“Appalling attack. My first thoughts are with the family of this child & medics providing urgent care but vital that the public support the police to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion as quickly as possible,” he said.
The arrested man from Wolverhampton, which is around 30 miles from Worcester, remains in police custody.
Anyone with information that could help police with their enquiries should call 999 quoting incident 442s of July 21, 2018. Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
