Police dispel EDL chatter over acid thrown on boy

A suspected acid attack on a three-year-old boy is not believed to have a racial motive, detectives said.

West Mercia Police said they are working to ensure the safety and security of the victim and his family as they recover from their “shocking” ordeal on Saturday at a Home Bargains shop in Worcester.

Officers are due to question three men in their 20s who were arrested in London early yesterday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm, and a 39-year-old man from Wolverhampton arrested on Sunday on suspicion of the same offence.

Chief Superintendent Mark Travis said there were believed to be no links between the incident and an English Defence League (EDL) march held nearby on the same afternoon.

Ch Supt Travis said: “I would like to be very, very clear, there is no evidence to suggest that in any way this incident is motivated by race or anything to do with the EDL protest.”

The child injured in the incident was discharged from hospital on Sunday after treatment for burns to his arm and face but the long-term implications of his injuries are as yet unknown.

Officers said they are keeping an open mind about the potentially “complex” motivation behind the attack.

Ch Supt Travis said officers had taken possession of CCTV footage and believe the boy was targeted.

The officer told reporters: “We are keeping all of the options open but at the moment we consider it was a deliberate act against the little boy.”

The Home Bargains store where the attack took place