Two Plymouth acid attack suspects are believed to have left Wiltshire.
Following what Detective Superintendent Jon Bancroft describes as a “brutal and terrifying attack”, officers have been searching for two males.
A man, aged in his 20s, sustained significant injuries as a result of an acid attack – after two men forced entry into his home in the early hours of Friday (21 February).
Earlier this week, Wiltshire Police said that the suspects were possibly in Grittleton, near Chippenham, just hours after the serious assault took place 140 miles away.
It’s understood that a villager gave the wanted males a lift to Chippenham railway station – where they may have caught a train.
A CCTV still, obtained by Wiltshire 999s, shows two males — who match the suspects’ descriptions — in Grittleton following the incident. Police are yet to issue any images of the pair, despite the manhunt entering its sixth day.
Devon and Cornwall Police has since provided an update, saying that the men are not believed to have remained in the Wiltshire area.
Detective Superintendent Bancroft said: “This was a brutal and terrifying attack on a man who remains in a very serious condition. His family are continuing to be supported by our specialist officers.
“This was an isolated and targeted attack, which we believe is related to organised crime.
“This is a large-scale investigation, and we are working really closely with partner agencies including the National Crime Agency to locate the suspects. We are carrying out both national and international enquiries in our commitment to apprehend those responsible.
“We would like to thank everyone who has come forward following previous appeals, our enquiries have taken us further afield and we can confirm that we no longer believe the suspects to be in Wiltshire.
“The individuals we are looking to speak to are both described as being black males, both in their early 20s.
“Anybody who has yet to speak to police and who may have information or relevant CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 101 or via our website quoting log 69 of 21 February.”
The force urged people to look to trusted sources for facts surrounding the incident after a post on the social media platform X said that a 14-year-old girl lost her eyesight in the assault.
“We have seen much speculation online about the alleged suspects and the circumstances of the incident, which are untrue”, a spokesperson added.
“The facts of the matter are outlined in this press release, and we urge the public to look to official sources for the facts surrounding this incident.”
