Appeal following noxious substance assaults in Lewisham

Detectives are releasing images of a man who threw noxious fluid over three shop workers in two separate attacks.

The first incident happened at about 20:50hrs on Friday, 17 December 2021 at a bookmakers on Randlesdown Road, SE6.

A man entered the premises and approached two members of staff at the counter and said, “Do you have any games?”

They asked him what he meant and he repeated the phrase. Fearing an attack, the members of staff locked the staff entrance.

The man then squirted a clear noxious liquid at them through the gaps and over the top of the security screens.

The liquid was in a 500ml sized water bottle and hit both victims causing minor injuries.

The man then left the premises.

Moments later, at 20:54hrs, the same man entered the Post Office on Randlesdown Road, SE6.

He jumped over the counter behind the till area where the victim was sitting. He used the same bottle of noxious fluid to spray the victim’s face.

He then left the premises and turned right down Brookehowse Road, SE6 heading south.

The man was described as Black and 5ft 8ins tall; he had an English accent and spoke very quietly.

Detective Constable Nathan Burrows, of the Met’s Specialist Crime, said:

“Fortunately, the injuries inflicted by this man were minor and had no lasting effects. However, the violent nature of the assaults and the disregard for public safety is of real concern and this man needs to be found. 

“I fully appreciate the appeal images are not very good, but I hope that someone still might be able to put a name to this person. These were frightening attacks, with no obvious motive and I would ask anyone with any information to contact police.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote reference CAD 7156/07Dec21.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.