After a pair of teenage boys on scooters launched an acid attack and theft rampage in various areas of London, targeting five victims in only 90 minutes, two suspects have been arrested. One victim has been left with life-changing injuries after acid was thrown over him as part of the violent scooter theft spree in north and east London on Thursday night.

Two teenagers in custody following acid attacks in London

According to London Metropolitan police, one 16-year-old boy was arrested near the scene of one of the acid attacks, while a second teenager, aged 15, was arrested on Friday in Stoke Newington.

Both teenagers are currently being held in police custody.

The Guardian reports that five victims were attacked with acid between 10:25 p.m. and 11:37 p.m. in various areas of London. In each case, the victim’s vehicle was stolen. The first victim had the acid thrown into his face shortly before one of the suspects jumped onto his scooter and sped away. Around 20 minutes later, another victim was sprayed with acid in the Islington area. The victim was taken to a hospital. A third victim was hit soon afterward in another area of London, suffering non-life-threatening injuries.

Only minutes later, they sprayed acid over a fourth victim in Stoke Newington. According to police, that fourth victim has suffered “life-changing” injuries to his face and remains hospitalized.

A fifth man was the next victim, as they first sprayed him with acid and then stole his scooter in Hackney. Both teenage attackers then fled the scene.

Teenagers in custody on suspicion of robbery and causing grievous bodily harm

The Evening Standard quotes Chief Inspector Ben Clark of Hackney Borough as saying the two teenagers were taken into custody on suspicion of robbery and Grievous Bodily Harm on Friday.

Clark went on to say the investigation is moving fast after the first two arrests. However, he called on the public to help, as each attack took place in a busy public location and they believe there may be several witnesses to the attacks who have not yet contacted the police. Police have called on the public to share any photographs or videos they may have captured of the acid attacks. Clark added that all the victims of the acid attacks were on scooters at the time.

Acid attacks are 'completely barbaric'

Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, has condemned the acid attacks as being “completely barbaric.

In the video included below, she said acid attacks were “incredibly infrequent” in the U.K., while the method has been used in other countries, including the Caribbean and South America.

Dick went on to say the highly corrosive acid can cause “horrendous injuries.” She said after the series of robberies they have made two arrests. Dick went on to stress that people mustn’t think this happens all over London, all of the time. However, she added police are concerned as the numbers of attacks are increasing. Dick said the Metropolitan Police are working closely with the U.K. Home Office to see if any changes in the law are required.