Horrified detectives said it "beggared belief" that a teenage thug would throw acid at six moped riders during a 90 minute robbery rampage.

Derryck John, 17, who can now be named after a judge lifted reporting restrictions, was just 16 when he carried out the attacks across east and north London last July.

John, from Thornton Heath, now faces a lengthy sentence behind bars after admitting at Wood Green Crown Court yesterday to six counts of throwing a corrosive substance with intent to disable, maim, disfigure or do grievous bodily harm, four counts of attempted robbery of a moped, and two counts of robbery of a moped.

DS James Leeks, of Hackney CID, said: “Derryck John did not think twice about using a life changing and even potentially life-threatening substance against those who resisted his robbery attempts.

"Acid attacks ruin lives and have no place in our society.

“It beggars belief that anyone would be prepared to scar someone for life and leave them to live with life-changing injuries for the sake of a phone or a moped.

"We are working hard to keep the public safe and make the streets hostile territory for criminals who steal scooters and use them to snatch valuables from members of the public.

"We have a particular focus on the small number of criminals prepared to use corrosive substances to do so."

He added: “If someone is in fear of being attacked with acid, or knows someone who is going to use it, they need to report it to police or confidentially through Crimestoppers. Your information will be actioned and you will be fully supported.”

Among those injued during the acid attacks last July was UberEats delivery rider Javed Hussain, 37.

Mr Hussain suffered burns to his lip when he was sprayed with a corrosive liquid through his helmet at traffic lights before robbers snatched his motorbike. And he believes his helmet prevented life-changing injuries.

Mr Hussain believes he was "the lucky one" as he saw other victims where he was treated at the Royal London Hospital with larger severe facial burns.

His helmet and hoodie which he was wearing in the attack at 10.25pm were badly damaged and he said they now look like they have been exposed to fire.

The dad to three-year-old Isha described the burns as "extreme fire on your face" which increased in pain as the acid dried.

The delivery driver of four years said: "I was lucky because I was wearing a helmet which is totally burnt as was the hoodie I was wearing, the colours are completely different, like it has been exposed to fire.

John will be sentenced on March 9.