Police appeal after man sprayed with noxious substance in Bow

Police are appealing for witnesses and information
after a man was sprayed in the face with a noxious substance
and had his car stolen in Bow.

The incident happened at approximately 16:40hrs on Friday, 14
April, in Whitethorn Street, E3.

The victim was driving alone along Whitethorn Street when his
vehicle was hit from behind by another car containing a
number of males.

The victim, a man aged in his 20s, got out of his car to
inspect the damage. As he did so, a male got out of the other
car and sprayed a noxious substance in the victim’s face,
before assaulting him. The suspect then drove off in the
victim’s car; the other vehicle followed.

The victim flagged down a passing police car and reported the
incident. He was taken to hospital for treatment – his
injuries are not believed to be permanent.

The victim’s car, an Audi S3, registration J111 WVS, was
found abandoned in Bluebell Avenue, E12 on Sunday, 16 April.

The suspect vehicle was described as a white ‘4×4’ type car.
The suspect who assaulted the victim was described as a black
male.

Detective Constable Tom Lockwood of Tower Hamlets CID
leads the investigation. He said: “This was a
shocking attack that took place in broad daylight in the
middle of a busy street. Thankfully the victim’s injuries do
not appear to be serious but he is understandably shaken up
by this incident.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in Whitethorn Street and
witnessed the incident to contact police. We would also like
to hear from anybody who saw the victim’s vehicle being
driven in Bluebell Avenue before it was found by officers.”

Anyone with information can call Tower Hamlets CID via 101 or
Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.