‘ACID’ THUGS SPRAY MEDIC ON 999 CALL
Bandana-clad yobs’ horror attack
A PARAMEDIC who had a noxious substance thrown at her while on a 999 call has told of the “terrifying” attack.
The 32-year-old, who does not want to be identified, was flagged down by three men yesterday while heading to an emergency.
The trio pulled bandanas over their faces when she asked if they were OK, before one of them, who was wearing latex gloves, threw liquid at her from a bottle through the car window.
The woman was taken to hospital but discharged after the liquid, which was not acid, went on her face, neck and chest, causing irritation. She 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.” Assistant ® director of operations at London Ambulance Service, Peter Rhodes, said he was appalled by the yobs’ assault on the lone paramedic in Tottenham Hale, north-east London. He added: “We will do everything to make sure those responsible are convicted for this senseless attack.”
Conservative and Labour MPs have added their weight behind calls for the Government to get tough on acid attacks.
MPs backed tougher sentences as well as a crackdown on sales and a new criminal offence for those carrying sulphuric acid.
Labour’s Stephen Timms said acid is becoming a “preferred weapon for gangs carrying out robberies”.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd has indicated acid attack convictions could carry life sentences as part of the crackdown.