CCTV appeal after man suffers suspected acid burns in Oldham

CCTV images have been released by police after a man was injured in a suspected acid attack in Oldham.

Greater Manchester Police say the footage shows two men who were seen on Burlington Road in the town shortly before 10:40pm on Wednesday, 11 May.

The 39-year-old victim is said to have answered his front door before liquid was thrown at him out of a bottle by a man who proceeded to run away from the scene towards Manley Road. He is believed to have arrived at the address with another man.

He was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital for serious facial burns.

The man who was attacked was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital, where he is said to be stable and his injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Police say they are keeping an "open mind" about the incident but believe it was targeted and that the victim knew his attacker. No arrests have been made.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Shortly before 10.40pm on Wednesday 11 May we were called by NWAS to a report of a man being attacked with a substance suspected of being acid at an address on Burlington Avenue, Oldham.

"A man in his 30s was taken to hospital with injuries consistent with burns and he remains in a stable condition.

"An investigation is underway and our enquiries into the incident are ongoing."

Meanwhile, the hospital had to take emergency measures after the man arrived for treatment.

A spokesperson for Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust discounted reports on social media about the A&E department being closed due to the incident as untrue.

They added that a deep clean and contamination had been carried out and there was no risk to staff or members of the public.

It is understood a number of staff members at the hospital have been isolated as a precaution.

David Jago, chief officer for The Royal Oldham Hospital said: "Staff at The Royal Oldham Hospital worked with local emergency services to deal with a localised and isolated incident after a patient was brought to our Emergency Department by ambulance after being exposed to a suspected hazardous substance.

"The patient is currently being treated in hospital for burns where their condition is being monitored."

He added: "I would like to thank our teams who have worked well with colleagues in our partner agencies in dealing with this incident professionally and safely in line with our robust and tried and tested plans.

"All patients at our Emergency Department are safe and there is no risk to staff and the public following a deep clean and decontamination of the department."

Anyone with information is asked to contact GMP online via the force's LiveChat facility, if able, or by calling 101 quoting incident 3391 of 11/05/2022. Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

An online portal has been formed for any images or video footage – include dash-cam – to be uploaded as part of GMP's enquiries: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22Q15-PO1.

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