Admin l Thursday, April 20, 2017
LONDON – A 33 year old woman was today arrested by detectives after a noxious substance was sprayed inside a Hackney nightclub have carried out three arrest warrants at addresses in the Hertfordshire area.
She was arrested at one of the addresses this morning on suspicion of firearms offences. She was then taken to a north London police station where she remains in custody.
Detectives are continuing to appeal for information to trace a man wanted for questioning in connection with the incident.
Arthur Collins, 25, of Hertfordshire is wanted for questioning by police. Two other men are also wanted for questioning in connection with this incident. CCTV images of the two males are currently being reviewed by investigators.
Officers were called to the nightclub on Sidworth Street in Dalston, at approximately 01:10hrs on Monday, 17 April, after members of the public complained of a noxious substance.The London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service also attended.
Two men aged 24 (Victim 1) and 29 (Victim 2) have been transferred to a specialist burns hospital in Essex where they remain in a serious but stable condition.
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. The others were treated for various injuries. “As a result of the incident a total of 20 people have now been identified as suffering various burns”, the police said.
Officers have since been informed that a 22-year-old woman who suffered burns to her face has been left blinded in her left eye.
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 Victims . Other people inside the venue suffered the effects of the substance.
police said the substance yet to be identified is believed to have been acidic.
“There have been no arrests in connection with the incident in the club and enquiries continue. There is nothing to suggest that this is gang-related”, police said.
Detective Inspector Lee McCullough, from Hackney CID leads the investigation. He said: “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.
“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.”
