Picture of woman accused of throwing bleach in man’s face in Liverpool city centre

The incident took place on Wednesday at the junction of Bold Street and Newington

Annie Woods(Image: Instagram)

This is the first picture of a woman accused of carrying out a bleach attack in Liverpool city centre. Annie Woods, 22, and Christy Hegarty, 23, made their first appearance in court today following the incident, which took place at the junction of Bold Street and Newington.

Officers were called to the area at around 1.55pm on Wednesday, April 29, to reports of a man and a woman squirting an unknown liquid towards a man. Tests indicated the liquid was some form of domestic cleaning product and the victim was taken to hospital for assessment. He has since been discharged.

Merseyside Police later confirmed the liquid to be bleach. Following the attack, Newington was cordoned off by police as officers launched an investigation.

Woods, of Minto Close in Liverpool, and Hegarty, of Doulton Street in St Helens, are both charged with throwing a corrosive fluid (bleach) with intent to burn/maim/disfigure/disable/do grievous bodily harm to the victim, Craig Rowlands.

They appeared separately at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court today, Friday, May 1. Hegarty, who appeared in the dock with receding brown hair and a thin moustache, and wearing a grey sweatshirt and joggers, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

Woods, also wearing a grey sweatshirt and joggers, appeared with bleach-blonde hair in a side plait. She also spoke to confirm her name, date of birth and address.

Prosecutor Chris Howard said: “This is an horrific crime that had the potential to cause serious injury. It’s currently believed the victim had bleach thrown at him to his face, and it’s not believed he suffered any serious injuries.”

Police on Newington off Bold Street following the attack(Image: Liverpool Echo)

Due to the seriousness of the charge, no plea was entered and the case was sent to Liverpool Crown Court, where Woods and Hegarty are due to appear on May 29.

Hegarty was denied bail and was remanded in custody. Woods was bailed under a number of conditions ordered by the magistrates, and must return to court on May 29.

A video of the incident, seen by the ECHO, shows the victim was seen to have a liquid thrown over him in the city centre. Police, fire crews and paramedics attended the scene, and the area was cordoned off.

The victim’s items of clothing, along with several bottles of water, could be seen inside the cordon. A forensic team arrived later in the afternoon, with an officer in a white suit taking pictures of the scene from Cropper Street.

Detective Inspector Paula Jones said: “This is believed to have been a targeted attack and enquiries are ongoing to trace the suspects, who we believe made off on foot towards Oldham Street.

“I want to assure people that there is no wider risk to the public. If you were in the area or work on Bold Street, please check devices and pass on any images or footage directly to police.”

If you have any information, you can contact @MerPolCC on social media, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with reference 26000337859.