Brighton robber hurled ‘corrosive substance’ in teenage victim’s face, say police

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was robbed of his wallet and mobile phone and had a corrosive substance thrown in his face in Brighton, on Sunday (March 10).
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Mar 2019, 12:32 BST
Updated 12th Mar 2019, 13:40 BST

The 19-year-old victim reported walking along towards a shop in Whitehawk Way just after 8pm when he became aware of a man and a woman behind him, said officers.

The man grabbed him and squirted a liquid into his face and then pressed what he believed to be a knife into his stomach and demanded he hand over his wallet and mobile phone.

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Police said he then staggered to a house in Exceat Close and told the occupier that his eyes and throat were burning. He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, where is undergoing treatment for injuries to his eyes, face and tongue, said police.

Officers said they carried out a search of the area and a 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery, questioned and released without further action.

Detective Constable James Botting said, “We are appealing for any witnesses who saw this attack or anyone acting suspiciously in Whitehawk Road at the time to come forward.

“There was also a sighting of a silver car that passed along the road at the time of the incident so we would like to hear from the driver who may have some information.

“If you can help please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact police online or ring 101 quoting serial 1404 of 10/03.