AN ANGRY father has spoken of his horror after his teenage daughter was sprayed in the face with an aerosol which was then set alight by two thugs.The 13-year-old was walking down an alleyway in Jaywick when the attack happened at 7pm on Monday.
AN ANGRY father has spoken of his horror after his teenage daughter was sprayed in the face with an aerosol which was then set alight by two thugs.
The 13-year-old was walking down an alleyway in Jaywick when the attack happened at 7pm on Monday.
The attackers did not speak to the youngster but stopped in front of her and sprayed a deodorant into her face which they set on fire with a cigarette lighter.
The teenager screamed and ran back to her home where she told her horrified parents what had happened.
Her father, who did not wish to be named, is offering a £200 reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible.
He said yesterday: “Her face is swollen and red but luckily she hasn't lost her sight or damaged anything to do with her lungs.
“They could have ruined her life. She could have lost her sight, she could have lost her looks.”
After the attack family members went out to try and find the assailants, who are both believed to be male, but could not trace them.
The alleyway where the attack happened runs between Glebe Way and Rosemary Way.
The teenager's father, who lives with his wife and three other children, said he found it difficult to look at his daughter's injured face as it reminded him of what had been done to her.
“I am hopeful the police will catch them,” he said.
“They need to be put away. If they can do this to a kid what else are they going to do?”
The teenager was treated at Clacton Hospital but is expected to make a full recovery.
Detective Constable Emma Farrow, of Clacton CID, said the attack was totally unprovoked and police had no idea of the motive for the crime.
She said: “We would especially like to hear from people who may have seen the two people after the incident.
“Jaywick is a small community and word will get around. Someone may have information about who is responsible.”
The attackers wore all black including hooded tops and were believed to be males aged between 16 and 20.
Anyone with information should contact Det Con Farrow at Clacton Police Station on 01255 221312.
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