The Home Secretary has indicated acid attack convictions could soon carry life sentences after unveilling a crackdown today. 

Writing in the Sunday Times, Amber Rudd warned that an overhaul of current guidelines would mean life sentences would “not be reserved for acid attack survivors.”

Among the proposals is the classification of acid and other corrosive substances as dangerous weapons.

Restrictions will also be placed on the sale of corrosive substances.

The crackdown follows a recent spate of acid attacks, including five assaults that were linked in London on Thursday.

More than 400 acid or corrosive substance attacks were carried out in the six months up to April 2017, according to figures from 39 forces in England and Wales.

The Home Office said it will work with police and the Ministry of Justice to assess whether powers available to the courts, including sentencing, are sufficient.

Mrs Rudd wrote: “Today I am announcing an action plan to tackle acid attacks.

“It will include a wide-ranging review of the law enforcement and criminal justice response, of existing legislation, of access to harmful products and of the support offered to victims."

“We will also make sure that those who commit these terrible crimes feel the full force of the law.”

“We will seek to ensure that everyone working within the criminal justice system, from police officers to prosecutors, has the powers they need to punish severely those who commit these appalling crimes.”

Possession of acid or other corrosive substances with the intention to do harm can already be treated as possession of an offensive weapon under the Prevention of Crime Act, which carries a four-year maximum penalty.

The Crown Prosecution Service's (CPS) guidance to prosecutors will now be reviewed to ensure it makes clear that acid and other corrosive substances can be classed as dangerous weapons, and what is required to prove intent.

The Poisons Act 1972 will be assessed to consider if it should cover more harmful substances, while retailers will be asked to agree to measures to restrict sales of acids and other corrosive substances.

New guidance will also be issued to police officers on preventing attacks, searching potential attackers for harmful substances and responding to victims at the scene.

Bleach, ammonia and acid were the most commonly used substances, the Home Office said.

Sarah Newton, minister for crime, safeguarding and vulnerability, will outline the Government's strategy on tackling acid attacks in the Commons on Monday.

In an earlier statement, Ms Rudd said: “Acid attacks are horrific crimes which have a devastating effect on victims, both physically and emotionally.

“It is vital that we do everything we can to prevent these sickening attacks happening in the first place.”