No crime, say police after acid attack call
AMERSEYSIDE police officer has confirmed that no crime took place after an acid attack was reported in Southport earlier this month.
The force launched a witness appeal after the incident, in which a 49-year-old man suffered burns from an unknown substance.
The initial appeal stated that the man was attacked on Hawkshead Street by a group of four teenagers, who were said to have then stolen his mobile phone and wallet.
After receiving treatment for the burns, the man was discharged from hospital several days later and is said to be recovering and receiving support at home.
As well as issuing an appeal for CCTV and dashcam footage, the force also carried out inquiries at homes in the surrounding area.
However, the case was dropped last Thursday (September 14), with police announcing that they were no longer looking for any suspects.
Speaking then, Det Insp Simon Vaughan said: “Having conducted a full and detailed investigation into this incident, Merseyside police can confirm that we are no longer looking for any offenders and the case is now closed.
“The 49-year-old man has been discharged from hospital and is recovering and receiving support at home.
“We would like to thank the public for their support following the incident and during the course of the subsequent investigation, and reassure the community that we will always thoroughly investigate such incidents and work with partners to ensure the safety of the community.”
The announcement led to various questions as to why the case was dropped, with police providing no further information.
The issue was brought up at the meeting of Southport Area Committee on Tuesday evening, with one councillor and one resident asking why the case was dropped.
Responding, Sgt Andy Dentith stated that the force believed no crime had taken place, suggesting that those initial reports were incorrect.
Although he was unable to comment further or add greater detail, Sgt Dentith said: “We have done a full investigation and are satisfied that no crime has occurred.”