Two teenage boys have been arrested after acid was thrown in people's faces in five attacks across London.

On Thursday evening, two male moped riders went on a 90-minute spree across the city, spraying a corrosive substance over victims in Shoreditch, Islington and Stoke Newington.

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One victim suffered "life-changing injuries".

The number of acid attacks in London are on the rise. A Freedom of Information request submitted by the Mirror showed that between 2011 and 2016, there were nearly 1,500 cases of the crime.

Acid attack charities in the UK estimate that 71% of British victims are men - although globally, 80% of the victims tend to be women.

Attacks are often carried out by men who have had their marriage proposals or sexual advances rebuffed. Hundreds of acid attacks are reported in India every year.

In 2013, the country introduced laws to deal with acid attacks and the country's top court banned the sale of acid to the public in that year to try to stop attacks - although assaults have continued.

The NHS advises:

Chemical burns can be very damaging and require immediate medical attention at an A&E department. If possible, find out what chemical caused the burn and tell the healthcare professionals in attendance.

If you're helping someone else, put on appropriate protective clothing and then:

  • Remove any contaminated clothing on the person.
  • If the chemical is dry, brush it off their skin.
  • Use running water to remove any traces of the chemical from the burnt area.

The India-based organisation Stop Acid Attacks, advises:

  • The most important first aid is to immediately wash affected body part of patient with plenty of fresh or saline water.
  • Don't rinse the burn area with dirty water as it can cause severe infection.
  • Keep flushing the affected burn area with plenty of cool water, (not very cold) until the patient's burning sensation starts fading. It may take 30-45 minutes.
  • Remove all the jewellery or clothing which had contact with acid.
  • Don't apply any kind of cream, ointment on the affected area as it may slow the treatment procedure by doctors.
  • If possible, use sterilised gauze to loosely wrap the affected area. The gauze protects the skin from air, debris, dirt and contamination.
  • Rush the patient to a burn specialty hospital having isolated wards for burn patients.
London NHS