Six-month jail terms for repeat acid offenders

Criminals who are caught twice with corrosive substances will automatically face a prison sentence of at least six months under proposals to counter the threat of acid attacks.

The new “two strikes” rule will mirror the regime for those convicted of more than one knife possession offence.

And online retailers could face criminal proceedings if they deliver knives to a buyer’s home.

The steps form part of a drive to tackle violent crime following a surge in offences recorded by police. Earlier this month, the government announced plans to create a new offence of possession of a corrosive substance in public without a good or lawful reason.

The proposals relating to online sales of knives and possession and sales of corrosive substances apply to England, Wales and Scotland.