UK cops charge teen in spate of acid attacks

London, July 16: British police have charged a teenager with a spate of London acid attacks as authorities considered whether tougher sentences would curb a spike in assaults with corrosive liquids.

The Metropolitan Police force said late Saturday that a 16-yearold boy faces 15 charges, including grievous bodily harm. The charges include grievous bodily harm, possession of an item to discharge a noxious substance, and robbery.

The boy is due to appear before Stratford Youth Court on Monday, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

The boy, who can’t be named because of his age, was arrested after five moped riders were sprayed with a corrosive substance during a 90minute period last week.

One man was left with life-changing injuries, police said.

At least, two of those attacked were drivers for food delivery services Deliveroo and UberEATS. A 15-year-old boy who was also arrested has been released on bail.

Police say the number of reported attacks with corrosive liquids in London rose from 261 in 2015 to 454 in 2016. Some appear related to gang activity or the theft of cars and motorbikes.

Amid mounting public concern, the British government said it is considering increasing sentences for acid attacks to a maximum of life.

Home secretary Amber Rudd wrote in the Sunday Times newspaper that those who use noxious liquids as a weapon should “feel the full force of the law”.