Disturbing new data have revealed a pattern of acid attacks across North West England that are persistent and, in a large number of cases, unresolved. Figures obtained through Freedom of Information requests by ‘Legal Expert‘ point to a troubling gap between the scale of these crimes and the ability of authorities to deliver justice.
At the centre of the findings is Greater Manchester Police, which recorded 68 acid attacks between 2023 and 2025. The yearly breakdown shows a sustained level of violence rather than a one-off spike. There were 20 attacks in 2023, rising sharply to 28 in 2024, before remaining high at 20 in 2025.
While the numbers themselves are concerning, the outcomes of these cases paint an even more troubling picture.
A significant number of attackers are never identified
Out of the 68 cases recorded in Greater Manchester, 12 investigations concluded with no suspect identified. This means approximately 17.6% of attacks went completely unsolved, nearly one in six incidents.
This figure only captures cases where no suspect was ever found. It does not include cases where suspects were identified but not charged, or where investigations collapsed at a later stage due to lack of evidence. As a result, the true scale of not delivered justice may be even wider.
The data reflect a recurring issue in crimes involving corrosive substances. These attacks are often carried out quickly and in public spaces, and offenders may take steps to conceal their identity. Even so, a resolution rate this low raises questions about investigative capacity and resource allocation.
Lancashire records highest volume and high failure rates
The scale of the issue becomes more pronounced when looking beyond Greater Manchester.
Lancashire Constabulary recorded a striking 172 acid-related incidents over the same three-year period, more than double the number seen in Greater Manchester.
Of those cases:
- 40 investigations (23.3%) were closed with no suspect identified
- Only 25 cases led to charges or summons, equating to roughly 14.5%
- A significant number collapsed due to evidential difficulties or victim withdrawal
This means that in Lancashire, fewer than one in six cases resulted in formal legal action, while nearly one in four failed at the most basic stage of identifying a suspect.
The figures suggest that, despite the higher number of incidents, the ability to secure outcomes remains limited.
Merseyside: suspects identified, but justice still elusive
In Merseyside, the pattern shifts slightly but remains equally concerning.
The police force recorded nine acid attacks between 2023 and 2025, with a steady increase from one case in 2023 to five in 2025. While the total number the police reports is lower than in neighbouring regions, the outcomes show a near-total breakdown in prosecution. Local media report much higher numbers, with the discrepancies likely due to the exact definition of ‘acid attacks’
All nine cases recorded by the police were closed due to difficulties in finding evidence, and this includes cases where suspects had already been identified.
Only one case resulted in a charge, and even then, it was for a different offence, and two suspects received eight-week suspended sentences.
This suggests that the primary challenge in Merseyside is not identifying offenders, but building strong enough cases to secure convictions. It highlights potential gaps in evidence collection, witness cooperation, or prosecutorial thresholds.
Emerging trends in smaller forces
Other forces in the region also show worrying patterns, even where total numbers are lower.
Cumbria Constabulary recorded 12 incidents, including two attempted attacks. The number rose from one in 2023 to six in 2025, indicating a clear upward trend.
Cheshire Constabulary logged eight incidents, with at least one case in 2025 where a suspect was never identified.
Although these figures are lower, the steady increase suggests that acid attacks are not confined to major urban areas. Instead, they appear to be spreading geographically, raising concerns about wider regional risk.
Understanding the justice gap
Across all forces, several factors appear to contribute to low resolution rates:
- Evidence difficulties remain the most commonly cited reason for cases being closed. Acid attacks often happen quickly, and forensic evidence can be limited or degraded.
- Victim withdrawing as witness plays a significant role. Survivors can often be unwilling or unable to continue helping with investigations due to trauma, fear of retaliation, or lack of long-term support.
- Identification challenges persist, particularly where offenders conceal their identity or attacks occur in poorly monitored environments.
However, the variation between forces suggests that these challenges are not uniform. Some police forces are more successful than others in progressing with cases, which raises questions about differences in investigative practices, resources, or local strategies.
The human impact behind the statistics
While the data highlights systemic issues, the human cost of these attacks is profound.
Ellie Lamey, a specialist connected to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, emphasised that corrosive substance attacks are among the most devastating forms of violence. Victims often suffer:
- Severe burns and permanent disfigurement
- Long-term psychological trauma, including anxiety and depression
- Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation needs
When cases go unresolved or fail in court, victims are left without a sense of justice or closure. This can compound the trauma and erode trust in the criminal justice system.
A question of accountability and public confidence
The data raises broader concerns about accountability across the North West. In Greater Manchester and Lancashire, a significant proportion of offenders are never identified. In Merseyside, even identified suspects frequently avoid prosecution.
Taken together, the figures suggest that a substantial number of perpetrators face little to no consequence for crimes that are life-altering for victims.
Despite the seriousness of the findings, Greater Manchester Police declined to provide a statement when approached.
Looking forward
The findings place renewed focus on how acid attacks are investigated and prosecuted. They also highlight the need for stronger support systems for victims and improved methods of evidence gathering.
At present, the data points to a difficult reality. Across the North West, acid attacks continue to occur at a steady, if not increasing, rate, while justice for the victims often remains out of reach.
For victims, the consequences both of these attacks and of the fact justice is not forthcoming are permanent. For the wider public, the figures raise an urgent question about whether current justice systems are equipped to respond effectively to one of the most severe forms of violent crime.
If you have been affected by violence such as this, Acid Survivors Trust International can offer support.
