Residents attacked with noxious substance in ‘horrific linked’ burglaries across Ilford, Seven Kings and Goodmayes
Two residents have been burnt with a noxious substance and a third threatened with a screwdriver in a series of “horrifice” burglaries in the borough.
Detectives investigating the three incidents, which happened in just 36 hours across the south of Redbridge, are appealing for information and they believe the attacks are linked.
The first assault happened on Monday at 8am in Lynford Gardens, Goodmayes, when the suspect gained entry to a property with a screwdriver.
He sprayed one of the occupants, a 62-year-old man, in the face with a noxious substance believed to be ammonia.
Then when leaving the property, he sprayed a woman – whose vehicle he attempted to steal – with the same hazardous substance.
Police believe he drove away in a black Toyota.
The following day a man gained entry to a flat in Green Lane, Ilford, at 10pm.
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He threatened the resident – a 30-year-old woman – with a screwdriver and a white container of an unknown substance and stole a small amount of cash and two bank cards.
Later that night at 10.40pm in nearby Westwood Road, in Seven Kings, a woman in her late 60s awoke to find an unknown man in her bedroom.
He punched the woman and threw a noxious substance over her before fleeing.
She suffered burn injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
He fled with two mobile phones and a bracelet.
Detectives believe the three burglaries are linked and want the public’s help to find the brutal attacker.
The suspect is described as a white man, aged between 30 and 45 years old, approximately 5ft 9in.
He is of slim build with short brown hair.
He was wearing a dark-coloured jacket, blue jeans, and brown leather shoes.
Det Sgt Brett Hagen, of Redbridge CID, leading the investigation, said: “These horrific burglaries have left the victims shaken and distressed, with two people suffering serious burn injuries after being sprayed with a noxious substance.
“We believe these three incidents are linked, and we appeal to the public for any information that will lead us to this dangerous offender.”
If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please call Redbridge CID on 020 8345 2721. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
No arrests have been made and inquiries continue.
