Family tell of horror over doorstep chemical attack on teenager
Family and friends of a teenager who suffered serious burns when cleaning fluid was thrown at her have spoken of their horror at the 'targeted' attack.
Vikki Horsman, aged 19, is recovering in hospital after suffering 15 per cent burns to her face, neck and chest when the chemical was thrown in her face as she answered the door to a friend's home.
Police have arrested three men on suspicion of wounding, another man on suspicion of conspiracy and two women on suspicion of perverting the court of justice.
Meanwhile, friends and family of the former Holly Lodge High School pupil spoke of their shock and hopes the carer, who lives in Smethwick, will make a full recovery following the ordeal.
Checks in hospital are being done to find out if she has suffered internal injuries to her throat and lungs.
Another man in his 70s suffered minor burns in the attack on the doorstep of a house in MacDonald Close on Tuesday.
Vikki's uncle Paul Horsman, 47, from Oldbury, said: "It's been a real shock to everyone and we're just thinking about Vikki now. The police have told us not to talk to anyone about what happened because her life is under threat."
Her flatmate Tina Williams said: "Only on Monday night, she came home and were were having a laugh in the evening. In the morning I think she was still in bed, I went out and thought she had work."
The 31-year-old mother added: "I can't believe what has happened. She is such an outgoing person, she wouldn't do a thing to anyone, she doesn't deserve this. I've not a clue why anyone would do this to her – I'm just hoping she gets better, I'm worried she could be scarred for life."
Detectives say the offenders fled the scene along local streets and alleyways from MacDonald Close to Temple Way. Detective Inspector Jim Munro said: "We believe this was a targeted attack. The offender knocked on the door and when the young woman answered the caustic liquid was thrown over her.
"It's not clear what the substance is yet but initial thoughts are that it's some kind of high-strength detergent."
He added: "An investigation is under way to stablish a motive for the attack and we urge people who have information to contact us."
The six arrested are a 46-year-old woman and three men, aged 18, 19 and 23, from an address in Warley. A 25-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man were arrested in Birmingham.
They were being questioned overnight.
The terraced house where the attack took place remained cordoned off yesterday with the front door and porch covered in a blue sheet.
