Shopkeeper left 'appalled, shocked and angry' as police shelve acid attack inquiry
A shopkeeper has spoken of his anger after police shelved an investigation into a terrifying acid attack.
Mohammed Tariq had a dangerous liquid sprayed in his face and was slashed with a knife in Lifestyle Express, Tividale in July.
West Midlands Police have now called their probe to a halt after 'pursuing all lines of enquiry' but failing to make any arrests.
Father-of-five Mr Tariq was behind the counter of the store, in Tividale Road, on July 7 when his attacker walked over to pay for a carton of juice, handed coins over then doused him with the fluid – believed to be weak ammonia – and cut his cheek with a craft knife.
The entire attack was captured on CCTV, as revealed by the Express & Star.
His brother-in-law Gaz Khan, who runs the shop, said: "I'm appalled, shocked and angry about this.
"What kind of message does it send when criminals can do this to people and they aren't caught.
"I want some answers from the police about what they've done about it - they don't seem interested at all."
Mr Khan, who has lived in the area for three decades, urged anyone who may remember anything about the incident to get in touch with police so the culprit can be tracked down.
"Hopefully we can still catch the guy who did this if people see the photos," he said.
After the attack Mr Tariq was taken to Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley and was left with two gashes on his cheek and reddening from the acid.
West Midlands Police spokesman Billy Corrigan said: "We have pursued all lines of enquiry into the attack at Lifestyle Express in July and no arrests have been made.
"The victim has been kept fully updated and if any further evidence comes to light we will investigate."
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
