A security expert has issued advice to Londoners terrified about being targeted by acid-splashing moped thugs - cower and don't fight back.

Criminals in the capital have "raised their game" in recent months and are now targeting the public rather than just inter-gang warfare, but they are "too dangerous" for people to take on.

Will Geddes, CEO of security consultants ICP, said there is little that can be done and urged Londoners to consider in advance how to tackle moped gangs.

He also suggested that pedestrians should walk towards traffic and put down their phones so they are more aware of the potential dangers surrounding them - but to never fight back in case the situation escalates.

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Mr Geddes said: "Acid attacks have been around for an awfully long time and most of the time it is gang-related, resolving disputes or arguments but the fact that it is being carried out against members of the public, evidently the law has to change.

"The CPS need to see what we can do to protect people, even bleach is pretty dangerous but easy to obtain, I think in many incidences one can get it from hardware stores, it is industrial applications like cleaning toilets.

"It is incredibly difficult and unprecedented, it is raising the game.

"If you do get sprayed with acid then you need to douse yourself with water for a good 20 minutes, you have to react quickly.

"One has to look at the potential likelihood of being involved in an acid attack, it is still relatively small."

Mr Geddes advises people to fight with every ounce of their being if confronted by terrorists or violent muggers, but urges people to cover themselves and not fight back if confronted by attackers on mopeds or scooters.

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He added: "Decide what you are going to do now rather than in the moment, it is a personal decision if you decide that you want to fight back then fine but it is a decision that you should have with your family, partner and siblings as to a plan of action.

"As with any spontaneous attack spontaneity is going to be advantaged by a lack of awareness.

"If you are walking down the street lift your eyes up from your phone the less chance you have of being attacked.

"At the moment we need to be a bit more aware and walk along the street face the traffic so you can see the vehicles ahead of you and take evasive action if needed.

"People also need to be cautious about displaying items, people walk down the street with their heads down looking on Facebook, not looking around are they are not aware so it's not surprising that some one can screech past and grab an item out of their hand.

"If it is a rape or an assault then I would say protect yourself and use everything in your capability to protect yourself but when it comes to your items, think about what you would do, have that discussion with your partner.

"If you think it's worth fighting back think about how much you would pay to your partner for them not to be hurt in the process of a robbery and I am sure the figure will exceed that item the robbers are after.

"I am sure people would pay well more than the value of an iPhone 7 for them not to get injured.

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"But if someone comes up behind me and I do not see it coming there is nothing I can do about it.

"It does not matter how well trained you are.

"My advice is do not resist, if you do resist you are more likely to get injured or hurt.

"You have to weigh up and counter balance, do you really want to suffer an injury as part of that process?

"Not at the time when an incident is happening, think about what you would do if someone tries to steal your Rolex or your phone."