Police in Edinburgh are making a renewed appeal for witnesses following a serious assault in the South East of the city.
The incident happened one year ago – at around 8.40pm on Friday, 9 November 2018, at an address in Captains Road.
Teresa Townsley, now aged 38, answered the door of the property when a man wearing a dark hooded tracksuit threw a corrosive substance at her. She suffered serious burns to her face and neck.
A year after the attack both Theresa, who has moved away from the city, and the police are appealing for anyone who can identify the person responsible or who has any information that will help detectives to come forward.
“It was the worst day of my life and today is the second worst as it brings it all back,” she said. “Fortunately I have a new partner who is being tremendously supportive and I have my kids to keep me going.
“But, day to day it is still hard, it is hard just to go out of the house, to look in the mirror. Most of the time I am confined to the house.
“If anyone knows anything then they must come forward. I am scarred for life and coming forward with information could prevent someone else suffering as I have. It may even prevent someone losing their life.”
The man is described as 5ft 11ins tall, aged early twenties and of slim build. He was wearing a dark-coloured tracksuit, a grey hooded top pulled up, dark gloves, dark trainers with light reflective sections and his face was covered.
He then left the scene in a stolen grey Ford Fiesta with false number plates showing the registration number BN65 LFV. The car turned into Southhouse Broadway towards Burdiehouse Road.
The vehicle was seen again at around 9.45pm travelling north in Drum Street with its lights off. It went down Gilmerton Road, into Glenallan Drive and was then driven into Inch Park where it was set on fire. Following this two men ran off towards Glenallan Drive.
Detective Inspector Jonathan Pleasance, of Gayfield CID, said: “We believe this address was targeted and are appealing one year on for anyone who has not yet spoken to us to come forward.
“This serious assault resulted in life-changing injuries and also shocked the local community. If you recognise the man described or saw the car, before or after the attack, please contact police immediately.
“The attacker targeted Teresa at her front door while her young children were just a few feet away. I am confident that there are people in the Gilmerton area are who have information that can assist the enquiry and I would urge them to come forward.”
Those with information can contact Gayfield CID on 101, quoting incident 4125 of 9 November, 2018. Alternatively they can call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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