Sickening acid attackers who maim and disfigure innocent victims have walked away undetected in more than a third of all recent incidents in Dorset, shocking new data has revealed.
A harrowing investigation, launched through a series of Freedom of Information requests by Legal Expert, shows Dorset Police recorded 19 acid attacks over the last three years.
While the figures show a gradual decline in the county, dropping from ten incidents in 2023 down to four in 2025, the lack of justice for victims remains deeply concerning.
A detailed breakdown of the force’s data lays bare the terrifying reality of the crimes, revealing that in more than a third of those cases, totalling seven out of the 19 attacks, investigations concluded with no suspect ever being identified.
The volume of incidents and the persistent failure to catch the perpetrators, paints a troubling picture across the wider South West region.
To the west, Devon and Cornwall Police recorded a staggering 91 acid attacks across the same three-year timeframe.
Disturbingly, the data for Devon and Cornwall shows a sharp and consistent escalation, with the number of violent incidents more than doubling over the period, jumping from 18 in 2023 to 39 in 2025.
Much like Dorset, victims frequently saw no justice, as 30 of those 91 investigations were closed completely without a suspect ever being identified. Countless other cases across Devon and Cornwall collapsed due to evidential difficulties or because victims withdrew their support.
Further north, Avon and Somerset Constabulary recorded 11 direct attacks between 2023 and 2025, detailing horrifying offences such as causing explosions or throwing corrosive fluids with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
However, the force also logged an additional 132 incidents where acid was involved but an attack did not take place, largely relating to suspects threatening a person with a corrosive substance. Across all of their recorded cases, a massive number collapsed due to suspects not being identified, evidential difficulties, or victims declining to support a prosecution.
Meanwhile, Wiltshire Police recorded 11 acid attacks over the three years, but justice proved elusive. Out of those 11 recorded incidents, eight investigations were shut down without a suspect ever being found. Similarly, Gloucestershire Constabulary recorded three incidents over the same timeframe, all of which ended with the attacker walking away completely undetected.
The statistics paint a devastating picture of the dangers and lack of resolution across the region, with dozens of unsolved cases guaranteeing that a large number of violent assailants are still walking the streets.
When approached by Billion Media to comment on the figures and explain why such a high percentage of offenders escape justice without consequence, Dorset Police declined to provide a statement.
“These figures highlight a deeply concerning lack of accountability for what is a barbaric and life-altering crime,” said Ellie Lamey, a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) specialist at Legal Expert. “When perpetrators of such horrific attacks go unidentified, victims are robbed of the justice and closure they so rightfully deserve.
“Corrosive substance attacks leave victims with devastating physical and psychological scars that can take a lifetime to heal. It is absolutely vital that survivors understand they are not alone and that they can still seek specialist support and financial compensation to help rebuild their lives, even if their attacker has completely evaded the courts.”
Legal Expert offers expert legal support and advice to those affected by acid attacks. You can book a free consultation or call their 24-hour helpline by visiting their website.
