Police warn of lies about acid attack

Incident treated as organised crime

Police are treating an acid attack on a man in Plymouth as organised crime and are warning that online speculation about the incident is misleading.

They want people to rely on trusted sources for news.

Two black men in their early twenties are being sought nationally after forcing their way into a property in Lispson Road, Plymouth in the early hours of last Friday morning, 21 February.

They assaulted the occupant, a man who is also in his twenties. He's still in a serious condition in hospital.

Detective superintendent John Bancroft said: “This was a brutal and terrifying attack on a man who remains in a very serious condition. His family are continuing to be supported by our specialist officers.

“This was an isolated and targeted attack, which we believe is related to organised crime.

“This is a large-scale investigation, and we are working really closely with partner agencies including the National Crime Agency to locate the suspects. We are carrying out both national and international enquiries in our commitment to apprehend those responsible.

“We have seen much speculation online about the alleged suspects and the circumstances of the incident, which are untrue.

“The facts of the matter are outlined in this press release, and we urge the public to look to official sources for the facts surrounding this incident.

“We would like to thank everyone who has come forward following previous appeals, our enquiries have taken us further afield and we can confirm that we no longer believe the suspects to be in Wiltshire."

Anybody with information or relevant CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 69 of 21 February.”

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555 111.