THE 18-year-old victim of a horrific acid attack has been blinded in one eye.

Distraught family members have revealed that doctors have been unable to save his sight despite intensive treatment since the incident on Saturday, October 18.

They believe the young man was attacked in a case of mistaken identity as he visited a friend in Boscombe. He does not live in the area.

Now they have backed the police appeal for witnesses and information about the terrifying attack.

The victim was in a property in Palmerston Road, near the junction with St Clement’s Road, when a group of masked men burst in.

He had a gun held to his head and a knife held to his throat before acid was thrown into his eye.

“We have been told the damage is permanent,” said a family member, who does not wish to be named. “He doesn’t live in Boscombe and has no idea why this happened.”

The aggravated burglary took place at around 5pm and the offenders are said to speak with London accents. One is described as white, six feet tall and thin and was wearing a grey beanie hat and a scarf or balaclava. He was wearing a dark blue waterproof coat and has a pronounced bridge area on his nose. There are no other descriptions available.

Boscombe West councillor Chris Wakefield said he has discussed the crime with local police and is satisfied it is an isolated incident.

He said: “The public need not be alarmed unless they are involved in criminal activity.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 – mobile phone tariffs may apply.