Kent Police say acid attacks in the county have fallen  from 41 incidents reported in 2024 to less than half that number -17- in 2025, but admit no suspect was identified in more than a quarter of cases over the past three years.

Data from Freedom of Information requests by Legal Expert shows Kent Police has recorded 86 acid attacks over the last three years.

A detailed breakdown of the force’s data details 44 incidents where corrosive liquids were thrown, seven attacks involving harmful powders, and a further 34 occurrences where noxious substances were sprayed.

Violence spiked at 41 attacks in 2024, dropping to 17 in 2025, with 28 recorded in 2023.

In 23 out of the 86 attacks, investigations concluded with the perpetrator walking away  and no suspect ever being identified.

This was the case for Ramsgate dad-of-three Paul Atkins who was walking home after an evening out with friends in 2024 when he was attacked with a corrosive substance.

The Isle of Thanet News spoke to the Stagecoach worker last year about the devastating impact of the attack.

Paul was cutting through St Laurence churchyard when he felt something wet hit his head and neck in an assault which has changed his life.

The 38-year-old suffered major burns that have left thick scarring and baldness at the back of his head where his hair cannot grow through the scar tissue.

The assailant has never been caught. A man was arrested after the incident but evidence later ruled him out as the suspect.

Read Paul’s story here

However, charges were brought against 19-year-old Ronnie Tudor who received a six year prison sentence for spraying a group of people with a corrosive substance in November 2024.

Tudor sprayed the group outside the Northern Belle pub in Margate with a liquid, believed to have been a strong alkali, causing four people to suffer reddening and irritation to their faces or chest. One man suffered second degree burns to his mouth while pub landlord Jonathan Wood needed hospital treatment after the substance affected his eyes, leaving him temporarily without vision.

A full investigation was launched by Kent Police which resulted in Tudor’s arrest two days after the attack.

Read about that incident here

The FOI data reveals that 45 ‘acid attack’ investigations collapsed due to evidential difficulties – often because victims either declined, withdrew support, or were unable to assist further police action.

Superintendent Rob Marsh of Kent Police said: “Assaults with a noxious substance or liquid are rare in Kent but when they do happen the incident receives a prompt police response and a thorough investigation to identify the person responsible.

“In 2025, Kent Police received 17 reports of an assault with a noxious or corrosive substance or liquid, a significant reduction on the previous two years. Over the last three years, a total of 86 reports were received with eight suspects charged and one cautioned. Three received prison sentences and three further suspects are awaiting a court appearance.

“In 45 other cases, suspects were identified but evidential difficulties meant the threshold for a charge was not reached. Such difficulties sometimes relate to the fact that immediate medical treatment, which is always the priority, can limit the availability of forensic evidence.

“Officers will always explore all potential lines of enquiry to bring offenders to justice and deliver the best conclusion for victims. However, not all cases can lead to a successful prosecution despite the best efforts of the investigation teams.

“I would urge anyone who suffers this type of assault to contact the emergency services at their earliest opportunity. You will receive immediate advice on what steps to take to minimise any harm you have suffered and ensure a prompt response from paramedics and officers.”

Figures for Kent are significantly lower than recorded incidents in London and Essex.

Ellie Lamey, a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) 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.

“Corrosive substance attacks leave victims with devastating physical and psychological scars that can take a lifetime to heal. It is absolutely vital that survivors understand they are not alone and that they can still seek specialist support and financial compensation to help rebuild their lives, even if their attacker has completely evaded the courts.”