A MAN has been charged after four people suffered an acid attack in Chafford Hundred.

Callum Kitson, 18, of Charles Street, Grays, has been remanded to appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court today.

He has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon, affray and four counts of administering poison with intent to endanger life.

A 17-year-old from Grays has been released on bail for this investigation until Tuesday, March 19, but has been charged with theft from a shop and threatening behaviour following a separate but linked incident.

He is due to appear at Basildon Youth Court on Tuesday April 2.

The charges follow an incident on a footbridge between Chafford Hundred train station and intu Lakeside shopping centre on Monday, and another incident in the shopping centre shortly afterwards.

Witnesses described victims being hosed down by firefighters as police swarmed the area.

One witness estimated about 15 emergency vehicles on scene while young men could be seen being treated with water and foil blankets.