Five people treated by medics after 'yobs on mopeds threw acid'

Five people have been treated by medics after a group of youngsters on mopeds reportedly threw acid over people's cars. 

Emergency services were scrambled to Burghley Road playing fields in Corby, Northamptonshire, on Wednesday evening following reports of an acid attack. 

Armed police, the police helicopter, fire and ambulance crews were called to the scene where children had been arriving for football training with Hellenic Fisher FC. 

Horrified parents recalled seeing a group of yobs riding as many as four motorbikes, mopeds and e-bikes across the field before launching hydrochloric acid across the carpark, the Northamptonshire Telegraph reported.

The acid burnt through seven vehicles, while some onlookers who came into contact with the substance suffered tingling to their skin.

Police said there were no serious injuries caused by the attack, which is not thought to have been targeted.  

Sergeant Keely Cox of Corby Police said: 'We are using all our resources this evening to catch the perpetrators. We do not believe this was a targeted attack.

'Five people have been treated although there are thankfully no serious injuries.

'There have been at least seven cars damaged.

'This is exactly the kind of serious incident that Operation Pacify has been set up to prevent and we will do everything we can to try to catch those responsible.'

Drivers of the affected vehicles were able to leave the park after the substance was washed off. 

Hellenic Fisher FC coach Russell Dickinson's car was one of the most damaged, and will likely need extensive work to mend the paintwork.

Hellenic Fisher FC Chairman Paul Cunningham told the Northamptonshire Telegraph: 'The fence here has been broken for four months. The clubhouse has been closed for two years and the council have still not repaired it.

'Everyone's safety is paramount at this club. This was not a targeted attack and it could have happened anywhere but we will speak to the council and we will ensure that they help us to prioritise repairs.'

Club Secretary Chris Moorey added: 'We want motorbike gates up but they've not materialised. 

'If someone had been hit we would have needed water tonight and we couldn't have got any because the clubhouse is closed. Someone could have been seriously hurt.' 

Those with information about the attack have been urged to contact police on 999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.