Town shocked by acid attack

THERE is one story that everyone in Southport is talking about this week.

The horrific acid attack which was committed on Hawkshead Street on Saturday evening.

How terrifying it must have been for the poor 49-year-old victim who was going about his life when he was unfortunate enough to be targeted by four truly evil individuals.

The victim was subsequently taken to hospital where he was treated for burns to his face and eyes after having acid thrown at him.

The extent of his injuries – and whether there is lasting damage – is not yet known.

The reason behind the attack? It appears to be so the gang could steal a mobile phone and a wallet. A huge price to pay for a very small return. Everyone in Southport now needs to come together to bring to justice the four attackers – described as three males and a female aged between 17 and 19.

Someone must know who they are. Perhaps one of the four will have a pang of conscience and do the right thing.

The thought of these four walking the streets of Southport at this time – and everyone wondering if this is something they might do again – is horrific.

Once they are caught, talk then needs to turn to the sentences for this kind of attack. It is a new type of crime, and it was very unusual until this week to see this anywhere in the North West. Further attacks must not be allowed to happen.

The Government needs to act urgently to bring in guidelines for sentences so long that few would ever consider carrying out such a crime.