Revealed, face of hotel rep ‘ lured into acid attack by ex-boyfriend’
SMILING at the camera, this is the British holiday rep who suffered horrific burns to more than half of her body when acid was thrown over her in a Portuguese resort.
eleanor Chessell was attacked by an unknown man who is believed to have muttered ‘sorry’ in Portuguese before dousing her in two litres of the corrosive liquid in Portimao in the Algarve.
Police are now trying to trace an ex-boyfriend of the 28-year- old who they think may have been involved in the plan.
Her clothes are said to have melted ‘like wax’ following the attack on Saturday night.
A source at the burns unit where she is being treated said: ‘It’s going to be a long recovery. It’s hard to estimate when she’ll be able to go home. She is doing okay given what she’s gone through, but its going to be really hard. A few relatives and colleagues have been to see her to keep her spirits up.’
Miss Chessell was found writhing in agony about 300 yards from shops and bars in the fishing village of Alvor, close to the hotel where she worked for travel operator Thomson.
It is believed she may have been lured by an ex-boyfriend to the spot where she was attacked after receiving a phone call or message and leaving the Hotel Alvor Baia on foot.
She managed to cover her face as acid was thrown at her but it hit her arms, stomach and legs.
Police have not said what type of corrosive liquid was used but it was so strong two police officers at the scene had to be treated for breathing difficulties and it left burn marks on the road and pavement. It is believed Miss Chessell, who is from the Isle of Wight, gave officers the names of two people – including an ex-boyfriend – who might have been involved.
A spokesman for the Policia Judiciaria in Lisbon said: ‘There are no arrests at the moment but we expect to close the investigation soon. The incident is related to a break- up ellie Chessell was involved in.’
‘Her clothes melted like wax’