DOORSTEP ACID HORROR
Partner of fraudster’s friend is almost blinded and child hurt in attack at home
A mum was almost blinded in a horrific acid attack on her doorstep by a masked man.
Theresa McCann, 37, suffered burns to her face, neck and arms after she answered the door of her home on Friday night.
The hooded attacker ran off after throwing the acid in her face and is thought to have escaped in a getaway car.
A young boy is said to have suffered burns to his feet after standing in some of the liquid which had spilled on to the floor.
The terrifying incident happened at Theresa’s home in Captains Road in Edinburgh’s Gracemount area.
She is thought to live there with her businessman partner Thomas Tams.
Tams is an associate of convicted fraudster Robert Kelbie, who has been involved in a feud with jailed drug baron Mark Richardson.
Police Scotland say the assault happened shortly after 8.30pm. Sources say Tams rushed Theresa to the bathroom to try to wash off the acid then cal led an ambulance.
The injured boy is believed to be Tams’ son.
Both Theresa and the child were taken to St Johns Hospital in Livingston, which has a specialised burns unit, and detained overnight for treatment.
The fami ly could not be contacted yesterday.
However, a family friend said: “Theresa was left in agony with burns on her neck, arms and face.
“Thomas is upset and angry that someone could do this to his partner.
“People are already out trying to identify whoever did this. After carrying out a sick attack like this on a woman, they’d be better off in police custody.”
Last night, the bungalow was sealed off by police to allow forensic experts to examine the area.
Staining from the acid could clearly be seen on the doorstep.
Police described the attacker as early 20s, 5ft 11in, slim build, wear ing a dark coloured tracksuit, grey hooded top, gloves, and trainers with light reflective sections.
Detective Inspector Stevie Rosie added: “We’re still working to establ i sh the motive sur rounding this attack. However, we believe this to be a targeted attack.
“Police are supporting the victim, who has sustained some very serious injuries to her face and neck . Anyone who recognises him, or who has any other information relevant to this investigation should contact police immediately.”
In 2010, Kelbie, who was convicted of mortgage fraud in 2013, was shot twice in the car park of a health club in Newcraighall, Edinburgh.
Kelbie, 34, was then forced to f lee his home in the capital’s Ratho Station in 2016 after it was shot at for a second time.
Gunman Gerard Docherty, 42, was jailed in January for 10-anda-half years for the attack.
Docherty was part of a nineman organised crime group who got 87 years at the High Court in Glasgow.