Paramedic is f lagged down ... then has ‘acid’ thrown into her face

A WOMAN paramedic was doused with a noxious substance by three men who flagged her down as she raced to a 999 call.

The 32-year-old was left with minor injuries to her face, neck and chest after the liquid was thrown through the window of her car from a plastic bottle.

Speaking yesterday about the attack, the paramedic described how she was waved down by three men as she travelled to a patient with chest pains.

As she asked if they were OK, they pulled bandanas over their faces and one threw the liquid at her. The woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: ‘It was terrifying. This was so cowardly.

‘It is my job to help people. I was on my way to help a patient and I stopped because I am caring and I thought they needed my help. They have taken away my trust. What they’ve done is horrific in so many ways. It was premeditated and it delayed a patient getting treatment.

‘It took a paramedic off the road. And yet if one my attackers were hurt, I would still treat them because that is the job.’

She feared the liquid was acid because her assailant wore latex gloves but tests confirmed it was not. She suffered irritation and reddening to her skin but has no lasting injuries from the attack in Tottenham Hale, north London, on Sunday.

As a result of the assault, ambulance crews have been reminded to be cautious when flagged down by anyone requesting help.

It follows a spate of horrific acid attacks that has prompted a public outcry and calls for tougher legislation. Campaigners want the Government to make it more difficult to buy highly corrosive substances and for those caught using them as a weapon to face harsher punishment.

Last Thursday five men were sprayed with acid in a 72-minute spree by a pair of marauding robbers on a moped. One victim may lose his sight in one eye.

Another victim, takeaway delivery bike rider Jabed Hussain, 32, suffered a burnt lower lip but was saved from serious injury by his helmet visor, which melted. He joined dozens of delivery riders at Parliament Square calling for police and politicians to do more to end the menace.

Mr Hussain, who has a young daughter, said: ‘We’re here to show we’re angry. We’re not safe on the street, we’re not safe at home, we’re not safe at work.

‘I’m really scared to go back to work because there’s not enough police to chase the thieves – they could do acid to anyone but the Government isn’t taking proper action.’

On Monday, a 16-year-old boy appeared in court to face 13 charges in connection with the incident, including robbery and attempted GBH. In another acid attack, a heavily pregnant woman was sprayed on her stomach and her partner on his face after becoming involved in a row with a group of men.

The couple were rushed to hospital for treatment to burns after the attack in East London.

Ministers are considering restrictions that would treat the most dangerous corrosive substances in the same way as knives. This would mean they could not be sold to under-18s.

‘We’re not safe on the street’