A harrowing investigation, launched through a series of Freedom of Information requests by Legal Expert, shows the Metropolitan Police Service recorded a staggering 904 acid attacks over the last three years.
Disturbingly, the data shows a massive and sharp escalation across the capital, with the number of violent incidents soaring more than fivefold, jumping from 103 in 2023 to 265 in 2024, before reaching an alarming 536 in 2025.
Despite the sheer severity and scale of these crimes, justice remains elusive for hundreds of London’s victims.
A detailed breakdown of the force’s data lays bare the horrifying reality of the crisis, revealing that in more than a quarter of the Met’s cases, totalling 267 investigations across the three-year period, the file was closed without a suspect ever being identified.
Even when perpetrators were named, accountability was often thwarted across the three years, with 179 investigations collapsing entirely because victims did not support, or withdrew their support for, police action despite detectives identifying a suspect.
Meanwhile, the City of London Police recorded two acid attacks within its square mile over the same period, in 2023 and 2025. However, following further enquiries, the force clarified that the recorded 2025 incident was a false alarm regarding corrosive substances.
The sheer volume of incidents and the frequent failure to catch the perpetrators paints a deeply concerning picture that spills across Greater London’s borders into neighbouring counties.
To the east, Essex Police recorded a grim 428 acid-related incidents over the three-year period. A staggering 263 of those cases were classed as violence against the person, while others involved damage, arson, robbery, and sexual offences.
Shockingly, more than half of all Essex investigations, totalling 233 cases, were shut down without a suspect ever being found.
To the north, Hertfordshire Constabulary recorded 50 attacks across the same three-year timeframe.
Data provided by the force highlighted a terrifying mix of true acid, corrosive liquids, and noxious irritants being hurled at victims.
Victims in Hertfordshire frequently saw no justice, as 26 of those 50 attacks ended with no suspect identified, and only seven ever resulted in a charge or summons.
To the south-east, Kent Police recorded 86 acid attacks between 2023 and 2025, detailing horrifying offences involving liquids, powders, and sprays.
Despite the high number of incidents, 23 of those investigations were closed without a suspect being identified. Out of those 86 attacks, just three resulted in a custodial sentence at court.
Looking to the south and south-west, the figures drop significantly, though justice remains equally elusive.
Surrey Police recorded seven incidents over the three years, leaving three victims without a suspect and securing only a single charge. Similarly, Sussex Police logged seven attacks, with four of those investigations shut down completely after no suspect was identified.
The statistics paint a devastating picture of the dangers and lack of resolution across the region, with hundreds of unsolved cases guaranteeing that a massive number of violent assailants are still walking the streets.
Responding to the figures, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said that since 2023, the force has quadrupled the charge rate for acid attacks. They added that throughout the capital, they have also reduced all levels of serious violence and work tirelessly to apprehend dangerous offenders and protect the public from harm.
Providing background to their response, the force noted that Londoners are less likely to be a victim of violent crime, at 26.4 offences per 1,000 population, than across the rest of England and Wales, which sits at 31.9 offences per 1,000 population.
Still, the statistics paint a devastating picture of the dangers and lack of resolution across the region, with hundreds of unsolved cases guaranteeing that a massive number of violent assailants are still walking the streets.
“These figures highlight a deeply concerning lack of accountability for what is a barbaric and life-altering crime,”
said Ellie Lamey, a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) specialist at Legal Expert.
“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 offers expert legal support and advice to those affected by acid attacks. You can book a free consultation or call their 24-hour helpline by visiting their website.
