Criminals Using Acid Instead Of Knives, Says Labour MP

14 July 2017, 12:18 | Updated: 14 July 2017, 14:00

MP Stephen Timms, who was stabbed in 2010, has told LBC "there is a real risk" criminals are choosing to commit crimes with acid rather than knives.

The Labour MP's comments come after five individuals were injured in an acid attack spree on Thurday evening.

Mr Timms said that he wanted to see "carrying acid itself being an offense in the same way that carrying a knife is".

He called for "a review of the sentencing guidelines" for those convicted of acid attacks as well as calling for tougher sentences.

Mr Timms said "the purchase of sulphuric acid should require a license".

The Labour MP told Nick Ferrari he wanted to see the carrying of acid "becoming an offence in the same way that carrying a knife is".

He also said prosecutors had to "prove malicious intent" when it came to dealing with acid attackers which makes it difficult to convict individuals.

Mr Timms said that there should be a "review of the sentencing guidelines so that sentencing is tougher".

The MP for East Ham said legislation would be easy to pass because the British Retail Consortium support the proposed changes, which suggests "it would not be an unduly onerous piece of legislation" to get through the Commons.

Stephen Timms was stabbed at a consitutency surgery in 2010.