TOWIE star’s ex boyfriend limps into court to face charges over nightclub acid attack

The ex boyfriend of TOWIE's Ferne McCann has appeared in court over an alleged nightclub acid attack.

Arthur Collins, 24, is accused of spraying an "acidic liquid" over a packed crowd at Mangle nightclub in Dalston, injuring four men and ten women including two who were blinded in one eye.

The businessman, who has been dating TV star Ferne since last year, was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning after a six-day manhunt.

He was reportedly wearing just his underpants when he was Tasered by police at a house in Rushden, in Northamptonshire.

As he prepared to appear in court for the first time, the TV star issued a statement confirming she is pregnant with his child but their relationship is over.

"Ferne is grateful for the sympathetic way news of her pregnancy has been covered and people's support and obviously her first concerns for her child's health", she said through her agent.

"Accordingly she does not wish to discuss the pregnancy further given the early stage it is at and the immense strain that Ferne is currently under.

"Nor does she wish to discuss her ex-boyfriend.

"Ferne is in no way seeking sympathy for her situation and is determined to do all she can to have a happy and healthy child and face the challenges of being a single parent with all her energy.

"Her thoughts are with the victims of the horrific attack on Easter Monday."

Collins, wearing a green hoodie and noticeably limping, appeared at Thames magistrates court this morning accused of 14 counts of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and one charge of throwing a corrosive fluid on a person with intent to burn, maim, disfigure, or cause grievous bodily harm.

He was in the dock alongside Andre Phoenix, 21, who faces seven counts of throwing a corrosive fluid on a person with intent to burn, maim, disfigure, or cause grievous bodily harm.

Collins is accused of attacking fourteen people, while Phoenix is said to have attacked seven of them with the acid.

Police say a 22-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man have both been left blind in one eye following the attack, while several others were treated for burns.

Among those hurt was the cousin of ex-Premier League footballer Jamie O'Hara, while Australian model Isobella Fraser, 22, suffered burns down her arm and neck when liquid went through her dress and fumes left her unable to breathe.

Neither Collins, of White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, nor Phoenix, of Fairweather Close, Clyde Road, Tottenham, entered pleas today.

District Judge Gareth Branston remanded both men in custody until a hearing at Wood Green crown court on May 22.