90% of Acid Attacks in Devon and Cornwall Go Unpunished

A series of Freedom of Information requests has revealed that the vast majority of acid attacks recorded in Devon and Cornwall over the past three years have gone unpunished.

The investigation, carried out by Legal Expert, found that Devon and Cornwall Police recorded 91 acid attacks during this period, equating to around 2.5 incidents every month.

Incidents More Than Double

The data shows a sharp rise in attacks across the region. In 2023, there were 18 recorded incidents. By last year, that number had more than doubled to 39.

Despite the increase, many cases remain unresolved.

Large Number of Cases Unsolved

Out of the 91 recorded attacks, 30 cases were closed without any suspect being identified. This accounts for roughly a third of all incidents.

Only five cases resulted in a suspect being formally charged or summonsed.

In many cases, investigations were unable to progress. Police data shows:

• 26 cases where a suspect was identified but there was not enough evidence to charge
• 15 cases closed because the victim did not wish to support further action
• 5 cases where victims declined to cooperate, making it difficult to gather evidence

Other outcomes included two cases where action was taken by another authority, one community resolution, one caution, one youth caution, and one case where the offender died. Two investigations are still ongoing.

Police Response

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said:
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our community.

“Although incidents involving corrosive substances are rare in our area, we take each report seriously and investigate thoroughly. Each case is unique which is reflected in the case outcome.”

Despite this, last year alone saw the equivalent of three acid attacks every month in the region.

Comparison With Other Areas

The figures place Devon and Cornwall above neighbouring forces in the South West.

Dorset Police recorded 19 acid attacks over the same three-year period, while Wiltshire Police logged just 11.

Further afield, Kent Police recorded 86 incidents, still fewer than Devon and Cornwall.

In Hertfordshire, a different pattern emerged. Hertfordshire Constabulary identified suspects in nearly every case, with only one of 14 attacks left without a suspect. However, none of those cases resulted in a custodial sentence.

Concerns Over Justice for Victims

Ellie Lamey, a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority specialist, said:
“These figures highlight a deeply concerning lack of accountability for what is a barbaric and life-altering crime.

“When perpetrators of such horrific attacks go unidentified, victims are robbed of the justice and closure they so rightfully deserve.

“Corrosive substance attacks leave victims with devastating physical and psychological scars that can take a lifetime to heal. It is absolutely vital that survivors understand they are not alone and that they can still seek specialist support and financial compensation to help rebuild their lives, even if their attacker has completely evaded the courts.”

Legal Expert says it offers support and advice to those affected, including free consultations and access to a 24-hour helpline via its website.