Man jailed for ‘vicious’ acid attack on ‘defenceless’ victim

Just before 1pm on November 23, 2025, police responded to reports a man had been attacked in the street, in Hull, by a man known to him.

It was reported that a man was approached by two men on bikes before a verbal altercation led to one of the men throwing an acidic substance in the other man’s face.

The two men then fled the area on their bikes.

Despite his injuries, the man managed to make his way home where he called an ambulance.

Paramedics arrived and took him to hospital for treatment for serious burns all over his face.

Leading the investigation was Police Constable Bryce from our Criminal Investigation Department. She goes into more detail about the investigation: “After receiving the report, officers were immediately deployed to search for the two men who are believed to have fled the scene shortly after leaving the man injured in the street.

“Whilst officers were searching the vicinity for the two perpetrators, other officers were deployed to victim’s home address to take his initial account.

“Despite serious burns to his face, the victim explained how he was walking along the street when he was passed by two men on bicycles, one whom he recognised as Liam Best, and the other he just knew by surname.

“The second man shouted verbal abuse at him which made the victim stop and turn around.

“This is when Best, armed with a Lucozade bottle, pointed the bottle at him and squirted a substance in his face which immediately caused a severe burning sensation.

“The victim thankfully managed to get himself home to call for an ambulance. Paramedics arrived and took him to hospital where he was treated for drastic burns all over his face.”

Officers continued with their investigation to establish the full circumstances.

Liam Best, 21 from Hull, was detained by police on suspicion of assault.

While in custody a wrap containing suspected class C drugs fell from his trouser leg leading to him being further arrested on suspicion of attempting to bring a prohibited article into a prison.

During the interview, he answered no comment to all questions asked and was further arrested again on suspicion of possession of a weapon designed or adapted for discharge of a noxious substance.

Best was charged on Tuesday, 25 November for throwing or casting a corrosive fluid with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and possession of class C drugs, and was remanded into custody.

The 21-year-old pleaded guilty in December 2024 and on Thursday (Feb 12) he was sentenced to three years and four months, at Hull Crown Court.

A 16-year-old boy was also arrested in connection with the incident and remains on conditional bail at this time.

PC Bryce continues: “Best left his house that day deceptively armed with what appeared to be a harmless bottle of Lucozade but actually contained an acidic substance.

“His actions were motivated by a desire to cause harm, intending to cause serious, permanent injury in a spontaneous attack on someone he knew.

“The victim was completely unguarded, taken by surprise with no way to defend himself, but thankfully, he was discharged from hospital the same day, however has been left with permanent scars which is a lasting, daily reminder of what happened to him that day.

“The effects of attacks involving corrosive substances can result in severe, life changing injuries or even death, and we will never allow attacks of this nature go unpunished.

“Using them in premeditated attacks is utterly vile and I am glad Best is now behind bars for his vicious assault.”