21-year-old Muslim girl and her cousin were targeted in a blood-curdling acid attack. It is feared that it was a race hate crime.
Recounting her ordeal on Twitter, student Resham Khan told how she was sitting in a car at traffic lights with her cousin Jameel Muhktar when a man sprayed corrosive liquid at them through the open window.
The culprit then chased the duo as they tried to drive off but they lost control of the car and crashed into a fence, Khan informed.
The acid burned their skin, clothes and parts of the car. Here’s how she recalled the horrific incident:
A thread about my 21st birthday.
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
With plans to visit a spa and eat a nice meal in the city, having just got back from my exchange year in Cyprus, I got a train to London.
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
On my actual birthday, my cousin and I went for a drive in the morning, blasting music and chilling like cousins do, hyping it as I WAS 21??
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
Long story short, whilst at the lights, a man threw acid through my window and then went round to his and threw more.
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
The pain was excruciating I was struggling to close the window. My cousin struggled to get us away. I saw my clothes burn away infront of me
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
He put his foot down as we were coming onto a dual carriage way but the pain took over and we crashed.
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
We stripped off in the middle of the road, running around screaming and begging for water. We did this for 45 minutes. No ambulance came.
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
Someone drove my naked cousin and me to the local hospital, and we were seen to. We have since been transferred to a specialist unit.
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
The police have asked me questions but no one has yet took a statement. The attack was on Wednesday. Today is Saturday.
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
In terms of treatment: I have had a skin graph, they are waiting on what my face will actually look like. And I have burns across my body
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
My cousin was put into a coma as his burns were worst. He was been woken up and I'm waiting to be told I'm no longer bed bound to visit him.
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
Now, I understand people reading this will apologise, and I appreciate it, but all I ask if you pray for me and him.
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
I know a lot of people are confused & want to know what's happened, yet I can't reply to everyone, plus I am waiting for my sight to recover
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
I just have so many questions. Why did the ambulance take too long? Why did he do this? Why haven't the police took a statement?
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
Why is this not in the news? Why haven't they found him? Plenty of witnesses, who know him. With a very distinct facial tattoo I described
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
I'm devastated. I keep wondering if my life will ever be the same. Acid attacks in the UK are unheard of for me.
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
My 21st birthday. My glow up complete. Just got back to the country. And now I'll probably never look the same.
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
I am so grateful to everyone that has prayed for me. I feel as though I'm blessed to have my limbs and senses. But I loved my face and body.
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
I just want this guy caught. I keep asking myself why he hasn't. Keep wondering why this is taking so long. Have they forgotten about us?
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
Me and my cousin just hours before the attack. (Cropped the rest of my family out) pic.twitter.com/dWGTuwTc4t
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
Update: I have gave my statement and the police officer is certain he will be found and sent away for a long time.
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
But what about my face?? that is forever
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
For all those asking about how acid is readily available, I've been asking the same thing and I've been told it's in B&Q etc?
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
The attack took place in Beckton coming onto the A13 around 9am during the school run on June 21st 2017 (my 21st ha)
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 24, 2017
If you're wondering why I haven't yet replied! pic.twitter.com/AXBwvODTRu
— Resh (@ReshKay_) June 26, 2017
This unfortunate incident raises a lot of questions. No one has been arrested so far.
