A dangerous criminal who launched an acid attack on a victim in Staffordshire, is roaming the streets after entirely evading justice.
A harrowing investigation, launched through a series of Freedom of Information requests by Legal Expert, shows Staffordshire Police recorded just a single acid attack over the last three years.
The solitary incident took place in 2024, with the county remaining completely free of such terrifying attacks throughout 2023 and 2025.
Despite the sheer rarity of the crime in Staffordshire, justice sadly remained elusive for the victim of the county's sole attack.
Data provided by the force confirmed that the assailant did not face justice in court, as the investigation was ultimately shut down with no suspect ever being identified.
The incredibly low volume of incidents in the county sits in stark contrast to the explosive numbers seen across Staffordshire's borders and the wider West Midlands region.
Just to the south, West Midlands Police recorded a staggering 74 direct acid attacks between 2023 and 2025.
However, data provided by the force reveals a much darker picture, noting an additional 40 attacks where acid was used but caused no injury or damage, alongside a further 46 occasions where acid was used as a threat. This brings the grand total of acid-related incidents in the West Midlands to an astonishing 160. Shockingly, 64 of those combined cases were closed without a suspect ever being found.
To the east, Derbyshire Constabulary recorded 30 incidents over the same three-year period - across those cases, seven investigations were shut down without a suspect ever being identified. Data from the force also highlighted a troubling lack of accountability, confirming that there were no custodial sentences handed down for any of the 30 offences, although some cases are still live.
Further south-east, Warwickshire Police recorded 21 attacks, with the numbers creeping up year-on-year from four in 2023 to nine in 2025.
Similar to the wider region, justice stalled for many, with eight cases closed pending further investigative opportunities because no suspect could be identified. Three more investigations collapsed because victims either withdrew support or declined to help the police investigate. Even when suspects were identified, only seven of Warwickshire's incidents resulted in a suspect being charged or summonsed to court.
To the west, West Mercia Police recorded 12 acid attacks, but justice proved staggeringly elusive. Out of those 12 recorded incidents, ten investigations collapsed entirely due to evidential difficulties, victims withdrawing support, or no suspect ever being found.
Meanwhile, to the north, Cheshire Constabulary recorded eight incidents across the three years, leaving one victim without a suspect.
Responding to the figures, a spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said:
"Acid attacks are extremely serious, violent crimes and we take all reports extremely seriously.
"In 2024, a thorough investigation was conducted into a reported acid attack. The investigation was closed after all lines of enquiry were exhausted and no suspect was identified.
"We remain committed to tackling all violent offences and protecting victims of crime across Staffordshire."
The statistics paint a devastating picture of the dangers and lack of resolution across the wider region, with dozens of unsolved cases guaranteeing that a large number of violent assailants are still walking the streets.
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.”
Legal Expert offers expert legal support and advice to those affected by acid attacks. You can book a free consultation or call their 24-hour helpline by visiting their website. https://www.legalexpert.co.uk/criminal-injury-compensation/acid-attack-victims-claims/
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