On Thursday night two teenage boys were arrested after five acid attacks took place across East London.
This incident follows several other recent attacks involving corrosive substances in East London, a criminal act that according to figures from the Metropolitan Police, is on the rise in London this year. With one of the attacks taking place on Shoreditch High Street, Rushanara Ali, Member of Parliament for Bethnal Green and Bow said:
"I am appalled by these horrific acts of violence East Londoners witnessed last night which is sending shock waves around our city. London has seen a rise in these horrendous attacks this year and when I met with the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick recently along with other London MPs, we implored the police to do all they can to prevent these kinds of attacks in the future and ensure there is a stronger community police presence in the areas affected.
The increase in these attacks raises urgent questions about the current sentencing guidelines for attack offenders and the legality of carrying corrosive substances, which the Government must urgently review."