Students took to the streets of Walthamstow this week to find out how people feel about the recent spate of acid attacks to hit the capital.

The latest such attack saw a teenager suffer “serious facial injuries” when he was sprayed with a corrosive substance as he walked along Langthorne Road, Leyton on Sunday evening.

New judicial guidelines that have come into effect mean people caught carrying acid will face the same prison sentences as those convicted of carrying a knife.

Will this be enough to deter attackers from spraying their victims with acid which in some cases leaves them with life-changing injuries?

Students Ali Khan from Norlington School, Norlington Road, Leyton and Oscar McGing from Wanstead High School, Redbridge Lane West, Wanstead asked the public how they want the problem to be dealt with.

Penny Ryder, 68, of Chingford, said: "I think it's truly awful. Acid disfigures people for life. That's the point of it I suppose.

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Penny Ryder

"Although the police are beginning to do more there should definitely be tougher sentences to deter potential offenders."

Victoria, 20, of Chingford, said: "It's usually girls of my age who are targeted so it worries me.

"I do sometimes feel unsafe when I come home from work but I try not to worry about it. I don't want to be in fear during my day to day life."

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Victoria

Rebens Desouza, 54, of Walthamstow, said: “I think nowadays the government is so worried about terrorism that all the police officers are in central London rather than places like Walthamstow.

"That would be the first step - having a police presence makes people feel safe.

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Rebens Desouza

“No one should live in fear of something terrible like an acid attack in 21st century Britain."

Jarmil Mali, 61, of Leytonstone, said: "It is really worrying. I think the police should do more stop-and-searches to prevent these attacks.

"You can only catch these people before they commit these horrible crimes by getting it off them."

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Jarmil Mali

Neil, 59, of Walthamstow, said: "I worked in legislation and from personal experience I can tell you tougher sentences and more legislation around the sale of these products won't make a difference.

"People find a way around, they always do.

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Neil

"What we really need is education for young people in faith groups and in schools to try to change the attitudes of young people."

Rosalie Hirst, 60, of Walthamstow, said: "It is worrying to see these acid attacks, especially as they seem to be targeting young women.

"This now seems to be part of a very worrying culture among young people.

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Rosalie Hirst

"I don't believe tougher sentence will act as a deterrent as young people see going to prison as a badge of honour."