This is the shocking moment a “cowardly” thug sprayed acid in a man's face following a row outside an east London table tennis bar.
The victim, aged 26, suffered burns in the attack in the early hours of Sunday 17 September. Doctors believe he may lose his sight in one eye.
He had been with friends on a night out in Old Street when they were approached by a man selling nitrous oxide outside Bounce Bar.
A heated row broke out after they turned down his offer to buy the substance – also known as “hippy crack”.
Two of the friends ran into the man again just before 5.30am. CCTV footage shows them on the street with other groups of people milling around.
The suspect then suddenly splashes a liquid in one man’s face, before turning and strolling nonchalantly away. The victim can be seen reeling backwards and clutching his head in pain.
He was rushed to a nearby shop where his face was doused in water before being taken to an east London hospital by ambulance staff.
Detectives have released CCTV footage and an image of the suspect in an attempt to track him down.
Police described him as a middle-eastern or light-skinned black male in his mid to late 20s, around 6ft tall and of normal build. He was wearing dark clothing and a Gucci belt with a gold buckle.
DC Dave Barrett of Hackney Police, said: "This was a violent, unprovoked and cowardly attack by a troublemaker who has left his victim with life-changing injuries. We would urge anybody who recognises the man in the picture, or who was in the area at the time and may have information that could assist our investigation to get in touch."
Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call Hackney police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC.
To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org
