Australian police say they’ve made a breakthrough arrest over an acid attack on two Sri Lankan students in Sydney.
At least five men forced their way into a home on Alexandra Avenue at Westmead about midnight (AEST) on May 17, police said.
They allegedly assaulted Jayasri Watawala, 22, and Chathuika Weerasinghe, 27, throwing acid over the pair, leaving them severely burned. The attack came just hours after two brawls between people believed to be linked to the Tamil and Sinhalese communities. The violence is thought to have been sparked by separatist rebels the Tamil Tigers admitting defeat in their 37-year battle.
More than a month after the acid attack, the victims’ conditions have stabilised.
“The commander … investigating an acid attack on two men during a Westmead home invasion in May, will address the media … in relation to a breakthrough arrest in the case,” police said in a statement on Wednesday.
The news comes on the same day Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said Thursday’s meeting of the nation’s leaders will discuss the safety of foreign students in Australia.
Indian students have been victims in a spate of attacks in Melbourne and Sydney in recent months. Mr Smith admits some of the attacks have been racially motivated.
“Some indications suggest that some may have been,” he told Sky News.
“Other indications suggest not.”
Thursday’s Council of Australian Governments meeting would underline national concern about the attacks, Mr Smith said.
AAP