Woman, 22, left blind in one eye after Hackney nightclub acid attack

Emergency services outside the Mangle nightclub where people were burned
Hatty Collier20 April 2017
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A young woman who was injured in a suspected acid attack at an east London nightclub has been left blind in one eye, police have said.

The 22-year-old woman was among 20 people who suffered burns when a noxious substance was sprayed over a crowd of revellers at the Mangle venue in Hackney.

Scotland Yard said two men, both aged 24, remained in a serious condition and had been transferred to a specialist burns unit in Essex.

It came as Met Police revealed they had arrested a 33-year-old woman on suspicion of firearms offences after carrying out a raid at an address in Hertfordshire in connection with the investigation into the attack.

Police want to trace Arthur Collins
Met Police

Two other properties in the area were also raided by police. The woman was taken to a north London police station.

Couple: Ferne McCann and Arthur Collins appeared on the front of OK magazine this week
Instagram

Police have warned the public not to approach Mr Collins, who is the boyfriend of reality TV star Ferne McCann, and to dial 999 immediately if they see him.

Ten patients were taken to hospital, while a further two people with similar injuries sought treatment, after the attack at the nightclub in Sidworth Street on Bank Holiday Monday.

On Tuesday, police said the number of victims had risen to 16, then revealed another four had been identified.

Clubbers were sprayed with a noxious substance after a fight broke out on the dancefloor at the 600-strong LoveJuice warehouse party near London Fields.

The Only Way Is Essex stars Jamie Reed, Jade Lewis and Chloe Meadows were among those forced to leave the bank event when the nightclub was evacuated shortly after 1am.

Models Isobella Fraser and Prue Fraser were among victims in the acid attack

Among those hurt was the cousin of ex-Premier League footballer Jamie O'Hara, and sisters Isobella, 22, and Prue Fraser, 20, who are both models.

A Met Police spokesman said: “Officers have since been informed that a 22-year-old woman who suffered burns to her face has been left blinded in her left eye.

“There have been no arrests in connection with the incident in the club and enquiries continue. There is nothing to suggest that this is gang-related.”

Detective Inspector Lee McCullough, from Hackney CID leads the investigation. He said: "I am continuing to appeal to Arthur Collins to hand himself in so that we can talk to him about the incident in the nightclub. I would also urge anyone who knows of his whereabouts to contact police.

"We now have 20 people suffering from the effects of an acidic substance being sprayed in a confined space in a busy nightclub. All have burn-related injuries.

“The noxious substance used has not yet been confirmed but samples retrieved from the scene have been sent for analysis. If you were there and saw anyone involved inside or leaving the nightclub, please get in touch."

Anyone with information that may assist police should call detectives from Hackney CID via 101 or via Twitter @MetCC or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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