Crow Lane, Romford 'acid attack' on Ajay Pal Singh's car

Ajay Pal Singh, of Crow Lane in Romford, said he had been left feeling vulnerable in his own home after his new car was doused in a corrosive liquid, believed to be battery acid.

The London Fire Brigade had to scramble 20 firefighters to Crow Lane, from Hornchurch, Dagenham, Euston and Wembley. It took more than two hours to make the area safe.

Police have urged anyone with information or evidence, such as CCTV or doorbell camera footage, to contact investigating officers.

“I feel completely unsafe,” said Mr Singh. “Mine was the only car targeted. Nobody else. 

"I’m really concerned. I’m not a coward, but I have to look after my family’s safety.”

Firefighters came from as far as Wembley to deal with the incident (Image: Ajay Pal Singh)
Mr Singh stood unsuccessfully as a Havering Residents Association candidate at the borough’s last local elections in 2022, in Rush Green and Crowlands ward.

He is an outspoken campaigner on environmental and road safety issues.

A full-time carer to his wife, who has a kidney condition and recently underwent a transplant, he said his family discovered their vehicle had been vandalised as they prepared for the morning school run on November 5.

Mr Singh's brand new car was left with damage all over (Image: Ajay Pal Singh) “I drop my daughter off at school every morning at 8.30am,” said Mr Singh. “Yesterday, my wife said, ‘I will come as well’.

“They went out while I was putting the alarm on in the house. They were just about to open the door when they noticed something was wrong. There was a very bad smell and there was something wrong with the paint.

“It’s a brand new car – only three months old – and they found it in very bad condition. As soon as I saw it, I realised it was something like an acid attack.”

Ajay Pal Singh is a politician and activist who stood for the Havering Residents Association in the 2022 local elections (Image: Ajay Pal Singh)

Mr Singh said he has since seen CCTV footage which shows somebody walking up the road just before 4am and specifically targeting his vehicle.

The Metropolitan Police Service said it was called at 8.33am on November 5.

“It was reported that a car had been damaged by a substance which caused the paint to peel,” a spokesperson said. “London Fire Brigade made the vehicle safe.”

The force urged anyone with information or evidence to call 101 and quote the reference CAD208/06NOV, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.