Man doused ‘in bleach’ in front of horrified shoppers – attacker on the loose

A man has been doused in what is believed to be bleach at a busy market in London, according to the Metropolitan Police.

The alleged attack happened in broad daylight in front of horrified onlookers in Hackney’s Broadway Market.

The condition of the man is not yet known. Police rushed to the scene at around 1.40pm this afternoon. A cordon remains in place at the scene, according to reports.

A photo taken by an onlooker at the scene and shared on X showed police cars and as well as London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service vehicles.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Police were called at about 13:40hrs on Thursday, 14 November to reports of an assault at Broadway Market, E8. 

“Emergency services attended and were informed that a substance, believed to be bleach, had been poured onto a man at the location.

“The man was treated at the scene. Officers remain in the area. There have been no arrests and enquiries continue,” they added.

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) said in a statement: “We were called at 1.40pm today to reports of an assault on Broadway Market, E8.

“We sent resources, including an ambulance crew, an incident response officer and members of our tactical response unit.

“We assessed a patient at the scene but they declined further treatment,” LAS added.

The London Fire Brigade said it sent two fire engines to support emergency service colleagues “because of the nature of the incident as it involved hazardous material”, though it turned out they weren’t needed.