A ‘callous’ teenager who threw corrosive liquid at two men during a fight between two gangs has been caged.
The 16-year-old, who can’t be named for legal reasons, squirted the ‘noxious substance’ in the face of his victims during the lunchtime brawl.
A fight broke out between two groups of men in Kings Cross, central London, on February 12.
The men fled before police arrived, with the battle continuing on a nearby street.
An ambulance was flagged down after two men, 19 and 20, were hit with an alkaline substance.
Both were taken to hospital with injuries from ‘liquid of the highest pH level outside lab conditions’.
Police traced the lad – who had not been in trouble before – back to his home in Walthamstow, east London, after scouring CCTV footage of the attack.
He pleaded guilty to throwing a corrosive substance with intent on February 15, and was jailed for three years at Highbury Corner Youth Court.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “There was an altercation between two groups of males on Argyle Square, Kings Cross, at 1.33pm on Tuesday February 12.
“Police were called, but the fight had ceased on their arrival and no persons involved in the fight were present.
“A further call was made to police by London Ambulance Service at 1.56pm to nearby Crestfield Street where the males from the fight had been involved in a further altercation.
“During this altercation, the suspect approached his victims – two men aged 19 and 20 – and squirted a liquid into their faces.
“The victims were found nearby being treated for facial injuries by paramedics, after an ambulance was flagged down. They were then taken to a central London hospital.
“Forensic examinations were conducted and the liquid was later found to be alkali of the highest pH level outside of laboratory conditions.
“On Wednesday, February 13, the suspect was arrested at his home address having been identified from CCTV.
DC Kelly Taylor said: “Before this attack, the suspect was not known to police.
“Now due to a few seconds of anger, he is facing three years detention in a youth offender’s institution.
“Hopefully he will use the time to contemplate his callous and violent actions.
“Alkali has the potential to cause a huge amount of damage when in contact with a person – it is only by sheer luck that no one was more seriously injured.
“This swift investigation and conviction was greatly assisted by witnesses and members of the local community who helped the team with this investigation and their co-operation is greatly appreciated.”
