Police hunt man after teen suffers mouth burn in bizarre drink scare
Police have issued a striking e-fit after a 14-year-old boy complained of a burning sensation in his mouth following a mysterious drink incident in Grays.
Stranger offers teen strange concoction in Elm Park Road
The boy was chatting to a man about health and fitness on Elm Park Road on Wednesday 26 August. Suddenly, the stranger pulled out a bottle with a yellow tablet and dropped it inside. The teen took the bottle home and drank from it around 11pm the next day — instantly feeling a severe, burning pain.
Thankfully, he spit out the liquid straight away and didn’t need hospital treatment.
Police appeal to ID muscular suspect
The mystery man is described as a black male, around 5’11”, with short black hair and a muscular build. He spoke slowly and softly and wore charcoal grey shorts and a lighter grey vest marked with sweat patches.
Detective Inspector James Healy of Grays CID said: “We want to identify this man and urge anyone with information to come forward.”
He added: “While we haven’t had other reports, we advise young people to stay alert. The victim didn’t know this man and took an unknown liquid home to drink. Never do that, no matter how convincing someone seems.”
Got info? Police want to hear from you
- If you recognise the man or have information, call Grays CID on 101 quoting crime reference 42/136008/20.
- Prefer to stay anonymous? Ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
