Nightclubs ready for mass acid attack with training drill showing gruesome victim injuries
THE HORROR of a mass nightclub acid attack has been recreated by emergency services in a stomach-churning simulation.
Victims are shown being treated for a string gruesome-looking injuries in the life-like exercise.
The drill saw clubbers screaming and fleeing the Metal Works club in London's Angel in panic, while police officers, ambulance crews and members of the fire brigade swung into action.
It was staged as part of Project Diffuse, which provides venues in the capital with response kits and practical advice.
Detective Superintendent Mike West, leading the police response, “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.”
It follows a huge spike in incidents - with 464 attacks involving a corrosive substance last year.
Arthur Collins, the boyfriend of Towie star Ferne McCann was jailed for 20 years in December for injuring 22 people in a nightclub.
Sentencing him Judge Noel Lucas said the 25-year-old was “an accomplished and calculating liar" who has not "demonstrated the slightest remorse".
Lauren Trent, one of his victims, told jurors at the trial: "The liquid touched my neck and it instantly started burning my skin and my skin was coming off in my hands.
"I knew it was acid, I have been to clubs before where there was pepper spray, nothing blisters that quickly other than acid."
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.
He was described by a judge as “despicable and cowardly” for his spree which lasted barely more than an hour but left his victims with life-changing injuries.
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As part of Project Diffuse police vehicles are being kitted out 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 also been sent to businesses whose staff will be first responders. Landmarks such as Buckingham Palace will also have them.
Detective Superintendent West added that the most important thing to do in the wake of an acid attack is to pour copious amounts of water on the injury.
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