Saudi Embassy issues warning over London acid attacks

LONDON: The Saudi Embassy in London has warned nationals and residents of the Kingdom to be careful in the city after a huge rise in the number of acid attacks, with the mayor saying he is “deeply concerned” by the increase.

The embassy’s advice comes as crimes using corrosive substances in the UK capital jumped in 2016 to 431 from 261 in 2015, a rise of 74 percent, Metropolitan Police figures show. So far this year, there have been 282 attacks.

That has resulted in increased public awareness and fear of the new scourge on London’s streets.

The latest attack came on Monday evening in the upmarket Knightsbridge area, popular with Gulf tourists when they visit London. The Metropolitan Police said a 47-year-old man was attacked by two men on a moped, who



attempted to steal the man’s watch.

With the rapid rise in attacks, the Saudi Embassy has now urged its citizens to watch out while in the UK capital.

A statement issued by the embassy noted the increasing number of attacks using corrosive liquids by “professional thieves” in London’s tourist hotspots.

“We call upon visiting citizens and residents to exercise caution and avoid walking in alleys and dark places,” the embassy said.

The embassy reiterated the importance of avoiding carrying valuable items, and to tell the police and embassy in the event of an attack.

But while undoubtedly concerned, the mayor of London’s office insisted the capital remained “one of the safest cities in the world,” and as welcoming to visitors as ever.