Teenager 'may lose sight' after five boys sprayed with acid in horrific train station attack

Relatives say one of the boys may lose his sight in one eye

A gang of around 10 thugs sprayed the boys' faces outside Ockendon station in Essex in a 'random' attack before jumping on a train to make their escape.
These are some of the shocking injuries suffered by five teenage boys who were sprayed with acid in a horrific 'random' train station attack.

The pals were all rushed to hospital following the despicable assault and one of the boys may permanently lose his sight in one eye.
A gang of around 10 thugs escaped after jumping onto a train following the attack at Ockendon station in Essex in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police have launched an investigation and are currently scouring CCTV in a bid to find the culprits.

Meanwhile, the horrified families of the boys - who are understood to be aged 15 and 16 - have posted pictures of their injuries on-line as they appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Denni Walker, the sister of one of the victims, said the boys were all 'severely burnt'.

She said: "My brother and 4 of his friends was attacked 2 of the boys are home now but the other 3 (including my brother) are still in hospital.

"They all got attacked with acid in their faces."

Wendy Tether, a mother of another of the victims, said none of the boys knew their attackers.

She said: "My son and 4 of his friends was attacked. If you are the person that done this I really hope your proud.

"None of our boys knew who attacked them."

All five youths were taken to hospital suffering from burns to their faces and hands and one of the youths is understood to have lost sight in both his eyes.

A BTP spokesman said: "We have launched an investigation into the incident and are viewing the CCTV and speaking to witnesses.

"Inquiries are ongoing to identify the people responsible, and the nature of the substance and determine the circumstance behind the assault.

The attack took place shortly after midnight on Sunday.

The victims were all taken to nearby Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford for specialist burns treatment.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: "Police were contacted shortly before 12.35am on May 22 with reports of a disturbance at Ockendon train station in Station Approach.

"A group of men were reported to have sprayed a noxious substance at five men. The suspects then left on a train.

"Officers and the ambulance service attended and the victims were taken to hospital with facial injuries.

Mirror UK