An acid assailant is being hunted by police following an attack in a taxi in Manchester – and now a photograph has been released of a man wanted in connection with it.
The attack occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day at Deansgate Locks in the heart of Manchester’s nightlife area.
A row occurred in a taxi, before spilling out onto the street – moments later two men had acid thrown in their face.
Police want to speak to Jonathon Joseph, 31, who has not yet been found despite numerous attempts to trace him.
Detective Constable Adam Cronshaw said: “This was an attack which has had a profound impact on both of the victims.”
On New Year’s Day the two victims had hired a taxi to be driven around Manchester and watch the fireworks.
At Deansgate Locks a man and a woman entered the cab and an argument occurred which spilt out onto the street.
The offender, the man who had entered the cab with the woman, proceeded to lash at the two men with his belt.
The victims then returned to the taxi at which point the offender reached in and threw a substance into the car, believed to be acid, which caused both men to experience severe burns.
“We have made a number of enquiries to trace Joseph as part of our investigation into this attack and urge anyone who knows where he is to call us,” said DC Cronshaw.
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3117 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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