Emergency services attended the scene in Northamptonshire after reports a group of yobs “threw liquid with acidic smell.”
Fire crews and ambulances were called to Burghley Drive playing fields in Corby at 6.30pm this evening (Wednesday, September 18) after horrified parents watched youngsters on electric bikes and mopeds throw the substance over cars.
It is believed the vehicles belonged to parents of children at Hellenic Fisher FC who were training.
Eyewitnesses told the Northamptonshire Telegraph said that five people were being held away from the gathered crowd so that they can be decontaminated.
The playing fields in Corby
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Onlookers reported seeing up to four motorbikes, mopeds and e-bikes rally across the fields before one stopped, and its occupants threw a substance over cars, hitting seven.
The substance is believed to have been some form of solvent or hydrochloric acid with further tests set be carried out tomorrow.
Sergeant Keely Cox of Corby Police said: “We are using all our resources this evening to catch the perpetrators. We do not believe this was a targeted attack.
“Five people have been treated although there are thankfully no serious injuries. There have been at least seven cars damaged.”
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Hellenic Fisher FC
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Chairman of Hellenic Fisher FC Paul Cunningham was one of those who had to be decontaminated after he used the hose to try to wash the substance off cars.
He said: “The fence here has been broken for four months. The clubhouse has been closed for two years and the council have still not repaired it.
“Everyone’s safety is paramount at this club. This was not a targeted attack and it could have happened anywhere but we will speak to the council and we will ensure that they help us to prioritise repairs.”
Michael Quarrinton was one of those who had to be treated after touching the substance. He said: “I touched it to see what it was then I realised it smelled. The car has been splashed a bit. At least everyone is OK.”
Hellenic Fisher FC secretary Chris Moorey said that there has been an ongoing problem with bikes using the field.
He told the Northamptonshire Telegraph: “We have tried to get the broken fences fixed. We’ve had the police down here but they haven’t caught anyone.
“We’ve asked for CCTV but the council have not provided any. We want motorbike gates up but they’ve not materialised. If someone had been hit we would have needed water tonight and we couldn’t have got any because the clubhouse is closed. Someone could have been seriously hurt.”