Boy, 14, held over acid attack on London delivery driver

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Walpole Road, Walthamstow
Image caption,

One of the victims was attacked in Walthamstow by two men who were trying to steal his moped

A 14-year-old has been arrested over an acid attack which left a delivery driver "fighting for his life".

The 32-year-old could lose his sight after a substance was repeatedly thrown in his face in Walthamstow on Thursday evening, police said.

In a separate attack in Tottenham about 30 minutes later, another delivery driver, also 32, had a corrosive substance thrown at him.

Police "strongly suspect" the attacks are linked, the BBC's Danny Shaw said.

The home affairs correspondent added the victim in the first attack - during which two males tried to steal his moped - had injuries to his throat, face, oesophagus and eyes and was in an induced coma.

Image caption,

The first attack happened in Walpole Road, Walthamstow

The Met said the teenager has been arrested over the Walthamstow attack and is being held on suspicion of committing grievous bodily harm.

Detectives said the victim was likely to lose sight in both eyes.

"This attack has left a man fighting for his life and with terrible eye injuries," Det Ch Insp Gordon Henderson said.

"This was an innocent man going about his work as a delivery driver, who may never see again."

Image caption,

Forensic teams are carrying out investigations in Walthamstow

In the second attack, two males approached the victim on Yarmouth Crescent, Tottenham, in a bid to steal his moped.

He was taken to hospital but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Image source, Google
Image caption,

The second happened in Yarmouth Crescent in Tottenham

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