Fake information online about Plymouth acid attack investigation
Devon and Cornwall Police say posts online that a teenage girl was injured are not true
Detectives investigating an acid attack in Plymouth say they're aware of misinformation being spread online about what happened and are urging people to only trust details from official sources.
Police are continuing to investigate a serious assault which happened in the early hours of Friday 21 February.
Officers were called to a property on Lipson Road at around 3.55am following reports of a disturbance.
It was reported that two men had forced their way into a property and assaulted the occupant.
The occupant, a man in his 30s, remains in a serious condition in hospital and it has since been confirmed that acid was used during the attack to inflict injuries.
Enquiries are ongoing to locate the suspects
Since the attack, misinformation has spread online, particularly on X, stating that a 14-year-old girl was injured during the attack.
Devon and Cornwall Police can confirm that this is not the case. There has also been false speculation regarding the alleged suspects.
Detective Superintendent Jon Bancroft said: “We are working tirelessly to investigate this brutal attack which took place one week ago.
“Our detectives and partner agencies have been following leads both in Plymouth and further afield to try and bring to justice those responsible.
“This was an isolated and targeted attack, which we believe is related to organised crime.
“We have been made aware of concerning speculation which is being circulated online and on social media which simply isn’t true.
“The facts of the matter are outlined in this press release, and we urge the public to look to official sources for the facts surrounding this incident.”
Officers believe that two suspects, described as black males, both in their early 20s, are no longer in the Wiltshire area, where a previous appeal was issued.
Anybody who has yet to speak to police and who may have information or relevant CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 101 or via our website quoting log 69 of 21 February.”
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555 111.