John Tomlin in court over acid attack on cousins celebrating 21st birthday in London

A man accused of launching an acid attack that left two cousins with life-changing injuries has appeared in court.

John Tomlin, 25, did not enter a plea to charges of grievous bodily harm with intent during an appearance at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London.

Judge Sheelagh Canavan remanded him in custody ahead of his next scheduled hearing on 6 October.

Tomlin, of Colman Road in Canning Town, is accused of throwing acid on Jameel Mukhtar and his cousin Resham Khan through a car window as they waited at traffic lights in Beckton in on 21 June.

Ms Khan, a university student and aspiring model, had been celebrating her 21st birthday at the time.

Members of the public attempted to wash the acid off with water after ripping off the victims’ clothes, but they suffered severe burns that required surgery and extensive hospital treatment.

The incident came amid a spike in unrelated acid attacks in London and elsewhere in the UK.

Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, announced a new Government strategy to combat the crime, while prosecutors have issued new guidance on how to penalise offenders.