Knightsbridge restaurant repeatedly sprayed with foul-smelling liquid in 'targeted' campaign

A family restaurant in Knightsbridge has been sprayed with a foul-smelling liquid on three occasions, resulting in the hospitalisation of a number of people.

Police have released CCTV footage following the “targeted” incidents of criminal damage. The first took place at 2.10pm on 30 October 2019, the second at 12.35am on 19 February and the third at 4.10am on 25 February.

In the footage a man can be seen using what appears to be a syringe to spray a substance, believed to be a food preservative, which has a very strong, foul scent on the front of the restaurant in Brompton Road.

Detective constable Danielle Sapsford, said: “Although no serious harm has come to anyone, a number of people suffering with nausea and vomiting were taken to hospital after the incident on 19 February.

“We are not in a position to completely determine motive at this stage. It does however appear that each incident has been targeted, and whoever is behind them must be aware of the damage they have caused to this family-run business.

“This has caused great distress to the owner and we want to bring this to an end. The most recent incident took place on a day when the owners expected the restaurant to be very busy.

“We hope the release of this CCTV may go some way in helping to identify who is responsible for the incidents, which were first linked after the second one on 19 February.

“At this time, we cannot say if we are looking for one, two, or more suspects, so are exploring a number of possibilities around this.”

The substance used in the latest incident is yet to be confirmed, but in both previous cases, it is believed to be the food preservative.

Detectives have also released two still images of men they would like to speak to in connection with the first incident in October 2019 (below).

Anyone who wishes to pass information to officers, is asked to contact DC Sapsford by dialling 101, quoting CAD1293/25Feb20 Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To view the full video click here.