Acid attack horror revealed in nightclub training drill

The demonstrations follow a spike in incidents, with 464 attacks using a corrosive substance last year
Ben Morgan15 March 2018

The full horror of a mass acid attack at a nightclub is being recreated in venues across the capital to train managers and staff how to deal with the threat.

Police are running “role-play” demonstrations with clubbers screaming and scrambling in panic and suffering graphically realistic injuries.

It follows a spike in incidents, with 464 attacks using a corrosive substance last year, including ones that left victims with serious burns.

Emergency services have launched Project Diffuse, providing venues with response kits and practical advice.

Police demonstrate how to react to an acid attack

Drills are being held, with one at Cargo nightclub in Shoreditch and the latest, at Metal Works in Angel, attended by the Standard.

Detective Superintendent Mike West, leading the police response, said: “For London we have the biggest night-time economy in the country so it’s about being prepared. The likelihood of an attack is low. However it has a huge impact on the victims. Therefore we are treating it as seriously as knife crime.”

Mayuan Mak, manager at Metal Works, said: “This can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. As the first responder you have to stop and engage your brain in the crucial first moments.”

Arthur Collins was jailed for 20 years following an acid attack where he injured 22 people 
Metropolitan Police

Heavy sentences have been handed down to perpetrators over the last year. In December Arthur Collins, 25, the former boyfriend of Ferne McCann from The Only Way Is Essex, was jailed for 20 years for injuring 22 people at Mangle nightclub in Dalston last April.

Derryck John, 17, of Croydon, was locked up for 10 and a half years this week after admitting acid attacks on six moped riders last July.

Project Diffuse was set up by the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade.

Police have kitted out cars with emergency response kits containing two pairs of thick rubber gauntlets, two pairs of goggles, five litres of water and a hose attachment.

The £18 kits have been sent to businesses whose staff will be first responders. Landmarks such as Buckingham Palace will also have them.

Mr West said: “The most important thing is copious amounts of water. While you will probably be left with some scarring, pouring water will combat the intensity of the injury.”

Staff are taught to prioritise face, eyes, and larger burns and pour water over victims for up to 30 minutes.

As corrosive substances can be transferred to the skin of others, victims should have clothing cut away. LAS duty team leader Steve Gibbons said: “Acid attacks go back to Victorian times and treatment hasn’t changed much.

“Remove clothing, especially if sticking to skin. Remove contamination with water.”

At least two fire crews will attend a major incident and use hoses to provide cold water.

Victims often go directly to specialist burn centres. Mr West said: “A victim will go back and forth for years to work on scarring and injuries. Psychologically it has a huge impact, like just going outside or going to work.”

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