Sittingbourne Man Injured In Medway Acid Attack

An assistant head teacher from Sittingbourne said he thought he "was going to die" after a substance, believed to be acid, was thrown in his face during an assault outside a Medway pub at the weekend.

Adam Tickner (pictured) is still recovering from the attack and says he feels "lucky to be alive".

Kent Police are investigating the assault with a corrosive substance, which happened in the garden area of The Ye Arrow pub on Boley Hill in Rochester at around 10.15pm on Saturday (13th September).

The victims, three men and a woman, were at the rear of the premises when two men they did not know approached them.

It is alleged two of the victims were punched and the group had a corrosive substance thrown at them.

Officers attended alongside emergency services and Mr Tickner was taken to a local hospital for treatment but was discharged earlier this week.

Mr Tickner told KentLive: “I was left in excruciating pain and suffered from burns to my lips and tongue". From his hospital bed, Adam, who was given morphine and paracetamol, added: “My tongue is less swollen now, and I still have a few blisters on my lips but the tingling sensation is constant. I am seeing progress daily, but the headache is constant throughout.”

Adam is now urging witnesses to come forward, and wanted to thank the emergency services for their work. He said: “I couldn’t thank them enough, as they ensured I had every chance. I just want to plea that anyone who knows anything tells the police as this could happen to anyone of your loved ones. I’m just a very lucky one.”

The other victims received treatment at the scene and Kent Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway including the examination of CCTV footage.

Officers are urging any witnesses who have not yet spoken to the police to contact them.

Residents and businesses with private CCTV and motorists with dashcam who were in the Boley Hill area at the time of the incident, are also asked to check for relevant footage.

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01634 792209 quoting reference 46/159665/25. Alternatively they can also contact Crimestoppers FREE and anonymously on 0800 555 111or use their online form.