A 28-year-old woman has spoken for the first time after an acid attack left her with substantial injuries.

Tara Quigley is in a stable condition in a specialist burns unit after the attack on her doorstep in Marshalls Road, Romford on Tuesday April 30 at 9.20pm.

On the night of the attack, Tara answered her door and spoke to a man asking for Michelle.

A short time later, the man returned and when she answered the door, the man squirted an acidic substance in her face from a bottle.

Tara managed to shut her door and rinse her face with water while an ambulance was called.

She said: “I don’t understand why this has happened to me.

“I feel devastated and am coming to terms with the fact that I might have to bear the scars of this cowardly attack for the rest of my life.

“I was at home with my family at the time. It doesn’t bear thinking about that this could have been one of the children instead of me as the man didn’t even look up when threw it at me.”

The suspect is described as white, short about 20 years old with dark complexion and dark hair.

He was wearing black clothing and spoke with an English accent.

Officers from Havering Borough’s CID are investigating and an open mind is being kept as regards any motive.

Tara was speaking as the police released an e-fit of a man they want to talk to in connection with the attack.

DC Paul Swift from Romford CID said: “This was a craven attack during which the victim suffered substantial injuries.

“If you know anything or saw the incident I would urge you to come forward.

“Did you perhaps see a man loitering nearby around the time of the incident?

“It is possible the attacker sustained burns injuries as a result of handling these chemicals-do you know anyone who has been trying to cover up any such injuries?”

Any witness or anyone with information should call Havering CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 08000 555 111.