Hackney nightclub acid attack: Second man arrested after two seriously hurt
A second man has been arrested following an acid attack in a London nightclub.
Two people, aged 24 and 29, were seriously hurt in the attack in Hackney and have been moved to a specialist burns hospital in Essex, according to police. Twenty people suffered the effects of an acidic substance sprayed inside the Mangle club.
A 24-year-old man has been arrested in north London on suspicion of GBH, the Metropolitan Police said on Friday afternoon, after a 21-year-old man was also detained.
But detectives are still hunting Arthur Collins, the boyfriend of Ferne McCann of The Only Way is Essex, in connection with the incident.
Detective Inspector Lee McCullough, of Hackney CID, said: “This investigation continues to move at great pace and the net is closing in on those we believe to be responsible.
“My team continue to act on a number of leads to bring in those wanted for questioning in relation to this awful incident.
“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.
“Equally, anyone found harbouring those wanted for questioning by police can expect a knock at the door and could well find themselves under arrest.
“We 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. This incident has caused suffering to a large group of people and left many others needing long-term treatment.
“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.”
Ms McCann appealed to her boyfriend to turn himself in.
A spokeswoman for her said: “Ferne is aware that the police wish to speak to Arthur Collins and the nature of the accusations against him. Obviously these are highly shocking and Ferne has co-operated with the police in their inquiries.
“She was not with Arthur on Sunday night; was not at Mangle, and has no direct knowledge of the events that unfolded. As much as anybody she wants to know the truth and urges Arthur to co-operate fully with the police and attend a police station immediately.”
Police have also raided homes in Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes.
A 33-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of firearms offences, and has been bailed.
