Acid attackers who maimed and disfigured innocent victims have not faced justice the vast majority of recent incidents in Hertfordshire, new data has revealed.
An investigation using Freedom of Information requests by law firm Legal Expert, highlighted that Hertfordshire Constabulary recorded 50 acid attacks over the past three years.
In around half (26) no suspect was identified and only seven cases led to one being charged or summonsed to court. Just three resulted in custodial sentences.
There were 15 attacks in 2023, 19 in 2024, and 16 in 2025 - with records revealing a range of corrosive substances being used.
Legal Expert's data shows that in 2023, 12 incidents involved acid or corrosive liquids, with 11 recorded as violence with injury. This trend continued in the following years, with most attacks resulting in physical harm to the victims.
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Some investigations failed because victims withdrew their support or police faced significant evidence challenges.
Ellie Lamey, a criminal injuries compensation authority specialist at Legal Expert, said: “These figures highlight a deeply concerning lack of accountability for what is a barbaric and life-altering crime. When perpetrators of such horrific attacks go unidentified, victims are robbed of the justice and closure they so rightfully deserve.”
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: “Any report of an acid attack is treated extremely seriously and is fully investigated by officers.
"Thankfully, these offences remain very rare in Hertfordshire. The outcome of investigations can be affected by a number of factors, including the availability of evidence and witnesses.
"In some cases, victims have chosen not to support police action, while in others a suspect has been identified but the evidential threshold required to bring a charge has not been met.”
Legal Expert offers legal advice to acid attack victims, including a free consultation via their website at https://www.legalexpert.co.uk/criminal-injury-compensation/acid-attack-victims-claims/.
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