An MP has asked the Justice Secretary to make sure people who take part in 'evil and despicable' acid attacks are given significant prison sentences.

Dartford's Gareth Johnson asked the question at the House of Commons today following a similar assault in his constituency.

A 23-year-old man was left with 'serious facial injuries' after two men on a moped sprayed him with a noxious substance on Sunday afternoon.

He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

Mr Johnson said to MP David Gauke: "A deeply concerning incident took place in my constituency at the weekend involving an assault using a noxious substance.

“Can I ask the Secretary of State for a clear commitment that not only will the sale and possession of acid be targeted, but also to ensure that those who are guilty of these despicable and evil crimes receive significant terms of imprisonment?”

Mr Gauke said the Offensive Weapons Bill will stop the sale of acid to under 18s.

He added: "I am grateful to my honourable friend for raising a very serious incident and attacks like these are truly dreadful with life changing consequences and anyone committing such acts must feel the full force of the law.

“That is why the Offensive Weapons Bill, currently in the Lords, will change the law to stop the sale of acid to under 18s and make it an offence to possess a corrosive substance in a public place.

"It is for the independent courts to determine the sentence handed down in individual cases but is already the case for any offense with the use of a weapon, including acid will be treated as an aggravating factor meriting an increased sentence.”

Police are appealing for any information or footage people have on the 'acid' attack.

Detective Inspector Chris Dovey, who is overseeing the investigation, said: "We would like to ask motorists who were in the area at around the time of the incident to view their dashcam footage to see if they have captured two men riding a black moped without a number plate. Any footage they may have, regardless of the quality, could be important to the investigation.

"The victim has sustained serious injuries which potentially could be life changing and we are conducting a number of enquiries to find out who is responsible for this serious assault.

"We are currently following a number of lines of enquiry and are reviewing CCTV footage.

"We do not underestimate the impact that assaults of this nature has on a community and as a result extra officers will be patrolling the Temple Hill area over the coming weeks.

"If anyone has any information that may help us with our investigation, I would ask they get in contact with us."