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'Acid attack' in London: victims hosed down by firefighters in Bethnal Green after skin was left 'peeling off'

Two young men were left in agony screaming "we've got acid on us" after they were attacked with a corrosive substance in east London.

The two victims were targeted in Bethnal Green at about 7pm on Tuesday, and ran desperately asking for help as skin "peeled off" their faces and melted their clothes.

Video footage shows the two young men with their shirts off having water poured over them from a firefighter's hose.

It comes following a shocking spate of attacks in the capital in recent weeks, with the number of such crimes soaring.

One of the victims is showered with water from a fireman's hose
One of the victims is showered with water from a fireman's hose

The Standard carried out an investigation last week which showed just how east it is to buy substances on London's streets.

Local resident Jamie Austin told the Standard that she saw tarpaulin and red tape covering part of the road.

Police and fire crews at the scene treating the victim (Rex)
Police and fire crews at the scene treating the victim (Rex)

She said: “I didn't see anyone because the tarps were up. But I saw red tape which is obviously not a good sign.

“I live right by here so I'm terrified to leave my house now.”

The scene in Roman Road (@MPSTowerHam/Twitter)
The scene in Roman Road (@MPSTowerHam/Twitter)

PC Bennett, from Bethnal Green police station, said the colour of the victims’ faces “had changed from where the bleach had been thrown over them”.

He told the Daily Mail at the scene: “So there was a discolouring on the faces.

The two victims are believed to be in their late teens. (Chris Lennon)
The two victims are believed to be in their late teens. (Chris Lennon)

“They [the alleged victims] weren’t saying too much. It is believed that they do know who the suspect is.

"We can see it’s been burnt through their clothing.”

Police officers were passing Roman Road at around 7pm when they were flagged down by the two victims.

Paramedics rushed to the scene and were seen dousing two young men in water.

Both victims were taken to an east London hospital for treatment. Their injuries are not life threatening.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "Police in Tower Hamlets are dealing with a suspected noxious substance attack on two males in Roman Road, E2.

"Officers were flagged down in the area at 7pm on Tuesday, 25 July by the two males who are believed to be aged in their late teens.

"London Ambulance Service attended the scene.

"Both have been taken to an east London hospital for treatment after an unknown liquid was thrown at them.

"No arrests have been made. Enquiries are ongoing."

Blue tarpaulin was put on at the scene as the victims were treated (Jamie Austin)
Blue tarpaulin was put on at the scene as the victims were treated (Jamie Austin)

The road has been cordoned off and a crime scene put in place.

The incident comes after five people were targeted in just 90 minutes in a string of terrifying attacks in the north and east of London on July 13.

The following evening, another person was attacked with acid in Dagenham.

Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call police on 101, tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.