Home Secretary Sajid Javid will give police new powers to stop and search anyone suspected of carrying a corrosive substance in public.

The move will enable police officers to effectively enforce a new offence of carrying corrosives in a public place, which is passing through Parliament in the Offensive Weapons Bill.

Currently, police can only stop and search people they suspect of carrying acid with intent to cause injury.

The proposal to extend stop and search was widely supported during a public consultation – the results of which are published today. They show 90% of respondents, including senior police officers, back the change.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said:

Anyone who carries acid to maim and disfigure others is a coward who deserves to face the full force of the law.

That is why we are giving police officers greater powers to help bring them to justice and protect the public from their sickening crimes – which can leave victims’ with life-changing injuries.

The police are clear stop and search is one of the most important tools they have in the fight against serious violence – I will continue to give them the support they need to do their vital work.