RECAP: Man taken to hospital after acid attack in Halifax

Recap of events

Police remain at the scene this morning as they investigate the attack and what substance was used.

Here’s a summary of what happened.

• At some time between 5.30 and 5.45am this morning, a man in his thirties went to answer a knock at his door at an address in Pellon, Halifax
• Upon opening the door the man had acid thrown in his face
• Emergency services were called and rushed to the scene
• Fire services were there just before 6am and washed his face and tried to avoid any further injuries. Crew members said there were no obvious burns to his face
• The man was taken to hospital. We cannot disclose which hospital in case of a further attack
• Police confirmed they were investigating and that the man’s injuries were not thought to be life threatening
• A scene remains in place at the address on Sandhall Green currently while the man is treated in hospital

Video from the scene

Police at the scene

Officers are now at the scene on Sandhall Green.

Firefighter: "This is the first acid attack I've dealt with"

Acid attacks have worryingly featured in the news quite a lot this year.

A recent report revealed an alarming spike in the vicious attacks in London over the past three years. However, this is the first we’ve heard of one directly on another person in West Yorkshire.

A crew member from Halifax fire station who was one of the first on the scene this morning said: “We know the protocol on how to deal with an acid attack victim, although this is the first time I’ve had to deal with one.

“The most important thing is to make sure none of it gets anywhere else on the body. That’s why we kept him outside away from where it had been thrown and leaned him over.”

Photographer at the scene

Isolated incident

Detective Inspector Craig Lord of Halifax CID said:

“This appears to be an isolated incident and our early enquiries are ongoing. I would appeal for anyone who may have been in the area who has seen or heard anything, or anyone who may have any information to come forward.”

"Substance is unknown"

Here is a statement from West Yorkshire Police:

“Police were called to an address on Sandhall Green in Halifax shortly before 5.45am today (Friday December 15) following a report that a man in his thirties had a substance thrown at him.

“The victim was treated by the emergency services and taken to hospital for what are thought to be non-life-threatening injuries.

“At present, the substance is unknown.

“A scene is in place whilst officers conduct their early stage enquiries.”

Crew members had to lean man over to wash his face off so acid wouldn't fall onto his body

Here what one of the fire crew members said:

“Someone had knocked on his door and threw acid in his face. We were first on the scene. We arrived first just before 6am. There was no obvious burn marks on him.

“We had to lean him over outside as inside was still contaminated, and followed protocol on what to do after an acid attack. We washed his face off with water while he was leaned over so the acid wouldn’t fall down onto the rest of his body. Then we got him back inside and washed him in his bathroom.

“We were at the scene for a couple of hours.”

Attack happened just before 6am

Fire service attended the callout at 5.53am.

The call was made after the victim heard a knock on his door and went to answer it only to have acid thrown in his face by the person outside.

Fire services from Halifax and Dewsbury attended, along with West Yorkshire Police and ambulance services.

Sandhall Green

This is the street where the attack happened.

A photographer is heading to the scene.

Acid attack in Halifax

A man is in hospital after having acid thorn in his face in the Pellon area of Halifax this morning.

Stay with us for the latest updates.