What would you do if you saw an acid attack in a London nightclub?
Acid attacks could happen at any moment – that’s why they’re so frightening.
You’re in a gay club on a Friday night. The music’s pumping. There’s someone cute checking you out. You’re having a great time.
But then you can hear screaming. Not just from one person, multiple people. You look, and you see them crying in anguish. One person’s arm looks like it’s on fire, one person’s cheek looks like it’s melting away.
An acid attack on this scale could happen to anyone: a stranger, a friend, or even you.
Often it’s a random senseless act of horrifying violence. Sometimes it’s a targeted hate crime.
Acid attacks are on the rise across the UK, especially in London. 2017 was the worst year on record for London. 465 acid attacks were recorded last year.
Arthur Collins, 25, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in November last year for spraying acid in a crowded east London nightclub, injuring 22 people.
The Offensive Weapons Bill, currently before Parliament, will introduce a new offense of possessing acid in a public place. It will ban their sale to under 18s.
Emergency services carry out simulation of acid attacks in gay London nightclub
So this is why police held a demonstration in a gay club Heaven, in London today (18 July).
The simulation began as a surprise. The criminal doused the victims in different areas on the club dance-floor.
Beginning of an acid attack simulation held at a London gay nightclub. The man’s victims are doused with corrosive acid from a small bottle. The victims start crying in anguish. pic.twitter.com/XMN1ENLWG6
— Joe Morgan (@nottherealjoe) July 18, 2018
Security services would clear the area.
First responders would begin using water bottles from the bar. There is a need to start diluting the acid immediately. Dozens of water bottles would be used for one person’s wound.
What would happen?
Emergency services would arrive around six to eight minutes later. Firefighters would be able to bring gallons of water and use a hose to carefully keep the trickling water going. Water is key.
Simulation continues: Firefighters work together with medical and security teams to keep running water flowing on the victims’ wounds. This needs to be done for a minimum of 20 minutes. pic.twitter.com/88LAN1dO6O
— Joe Morgan (@nottherealjoe) July 18, 2018
The advice is simple: Report, Remove and Rinse.
The guidance is REPORT the attack (dial emergency services), REMOVE contaminated clothing with scissors to make sure the acid doesn’t spread on more skin and RINSE immediately in running water. pic.twitter.com/6XTdHz8Er8
— Joe Morgan (@nottherealjoe) July 18, 2018
Mike West, detective superintendent with the Metropolitan Police, has been leading a project looking to end acid-based crime.
‘Your own safety is really important. Most people, naturally, will want to help,’ he told Gay Star News.
‘If you are medically trained, like a doctor in a burns unit, you’re going to get involved and be beneficial. The safest thing is to remove yourself from the situation. The volume of a security staff this size in a nightclub like this will be able to respond to it.
‘The safest thing is to remove yourself from the situation’
‘If you’ve witnessed it directly and can leave your details, please give information to the police.’
West said in a situation like this, most people’s instincts are to flee.
‘That’s a natural reaction,’ he said. ‘Suspect it to be scary. Suspect it to be stressful. Try and stay calm if you can.
‘Listen to the advice. There will be messages out from the loudspeakers. Obey the orders, no matter how many drinks you’ve had.
‘Police might be bolshy sometimes. But they’re just trying to manage their own stressful situation. Please listen to them even if they’re not friendly on this occasion.’
West says there have not been any LGBTI hate crime acid attacks in London. Crimes like this are often gang-related.
He did say if your friend or partner or family member was a victim, your role is in the aftercare.
West added: ‘What we often find is with victims it’s a lifetime journey to recovery. Some people get through it. I’ve met brave survivors of attacks who are able to move on. Others find it very difficult to move on psychologically.
‘No trends of acid-based LGBTI hate crime’ in London
‘The support is vital from family, friends, people you can talk to, medical experts etc. It’s so important to have a network around you.’
While there are no recent instances of people using acid to target LGBTI people in London, police continue to examine trends across Britain.
‘If something was to happen, we’ll support you. We will seek the offender and intend to lock him up as long as possible, to the tune of 25 to 30 years.’
Crime Minister Victoria Atkins said: ‘Attacks using acid and other corrosive substances are barbaric crimes that devastate lives and can leave victims with life changing injuries and emotional scars.
‘This morning’s exercise highlighted the vital role clubs, bars and pubs play in helping to keep people safe. Alongside this, we are working closely with the police to ensure they have the powers and tools they need to tackle these crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.’
Man tries to fill lube dispenser with hydrochloric acid in Sydney gay club
