Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
THE BMW ACID ATTACK TOT: COPS PROBE FEUD
Four held after toddler targeted while at shops
POLICE investigating the acid attack of a three-yearold boy are looking into a possible community feud.
The toddler was targeted in his pushchair while out on a shopping trip with his mum.
Officers say CCTV footage taken at the Home Bargains store proves the incident was a “deliberate act”.
Four men were in custody being questioned over the attack, while the boy and his mum were being kept safe.
Yesterday Chief Superintendent Mark Travis hinted that a community feud may have trig- gered the crime. He said: “We have looked at the movement of people throughout the area and consider this to be a deliberate act against the little boy.
“The family are coming to terms with something that is quite shocking. It’s a difficult time for them and we need to make sure, while we work on the investigation, they are safe and secure and are allowed to deal with the issues they face.
“We will work to make people understand that this is not the way to resolve issues and disputes in communities.” The boy, who lives in the area, suffered injuries to his face and arm when he was attacked at a retail park, in Worcester, on Saturday afternoon.
A 39-year-old man from Wolverhampton was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit GBH.
Police then launched a manhunt for three suspects wearing casual clothing who were caught on CCTV.
Three men, aged 22, 25 and 26, were arrested in London overnight on Sunday on the same charge.