POLICE IN LONDON have released images of a man they want to speak to in connection with an incident in which an acidic substance was thrown in a nightclub.
A number of people were injured in the attack early on Monday morning at Mangle nightclub in Hackney, but nobody has been arrested.
Two men aged 24 and 29 have been transferred to a specialist burns hospital in Essex where they remain in a serious but stable condition. Officers believe a dispute between two groups of people developed inside the venue, resulting in a noxious substance being sprayed by a male suspect directly at the men.
A total of 12 people attended hospital suffering burns. Ten people were taken by ambulance and two people presented themselves at an east London hospital.
Two other men are also wanted for questioning in connection with the incident. The substance is yet to be identified, but it is believed to have been acidic.
Detective Inspector Lee McCullough from Hackney CID leads the investigation. He said: “We now 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. 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.
Last night police said that they wanted to speak to 25-year-old Arthur Collins in connection with the attack. Collins has been identified as the boyfriend of The Only Way Is Essex star Ferne McCann.
Police said that Collins should not be approached by members of the public. If he is seen, the public are advised to call 999 immediately.
The BBC reports that TV personality McCann issued a statement urging Collins to cooperate with police.
“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.”
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