London is the acid capital of the world and has areas where drivers won’t work because there are so many attacks
Stephen Timms told MPs London has more acid attacks than any other city
PARTS of London are now “no-go areas” because of the acid attack epidemic, the House of Commons heard today.
A crusading MP warned the capital has more attacks per head of population than any other city in the world.
And swathes of London are avoided by delivery drivers because they have become so dangerous.
Labour MP Stephen Timms, who has long campaigned for an acid attack clampdown, made the claims during a parliamentary debate today.
He said: “I’ve had a number of discussions with representatives of moped delivery drivers and they say there are now parts London where their drivers are not willing to go because of the danger of attack.
“I think all of us would regard it as unacceptable that there are no go areas in parts of London and parts of the UK.
“I think it is require some significant action to deal with the problem.”
Mr Timms revealed that in his East London constituency, shops have signed up to a voluntary scheme agreeing not to sell acid to under-21s.
He added: “I think the Home Secretary suggested that people could not be sold acid under 18.
“I think there is quite a strong case for making that 21, rather than 18.”
Another MP said acid attack thugs should be charged with attempted murder in a bid to curb the devastating crime.
Jim Shannon of the DUP said: “We need to change the legislation and need to represent those people who are recipients of attack.
“I sincerely urge that the Government takes all of this into consideration and brings attacks on par with knife violence crimes and ensures that the sentence fits the crime, which leaves a life destroyed.”
Today’s debate came after the ex-boyfriend of a reality star was jailed for 20 years over an acid attack on a London nightclub.
Drug dealer Arthur Collins left 14 people injured when he targeted a gang rival in April.
Amber Rudd vowed to crack down on acid attacks after this year’s spate of crime – saying she would make it illegal to carry acid in public without a good reason, and ban its sale to children.