Acid attack victim: 'It's a very dark pain'
Andreas Christopheros had sulphuric acid thrown in his face by a stranger who called at his front door. He told Stephen Nolan what happened - and how his son aided his recovery
A man who had sulphuric acid thrown over him by a stranger who knocked on his front door has been describing the terrible events of that day.
Andreas Christopheros was at his home in Cornwall with his wife and young son when he answered the door to his attacker.
Speaking to Stephen Nolan, Andreas said he realised immediately what had happened: "I knew instantly and I screamed to my wife upstairs... I ran through the house (to the kitchen) and started dousing myself with water."
"The pain was inexplicable, out of this world pain. It's like nothing I've ever felt before, it's a very dark pain."
His attacker was handed a life sentence in October 2015 after admitting carrying out the crime in what had been a case of mistaken identity.
More than two years on from the attack, Andreas has been left partially sighted, with severe burns to his face and body.
Asked about his decision while recovering in hospital to keep his 18-month-old son away from his bedside for two months, Andreas says he was trying to protect his little boy: "For him his world should have been full of happiness, joy and toys, which he had."
Acknowledging it was "insanely tough" to be away from his child, Andreas recalls the moment he saw his young son for the first time after the attack:
"The moment he saw me... he put his arms out and held on to me for three quarters of an hour" - an experience which Andreas describes as "the best feeling I think I've ever had... truly amazing."
This clip is originally from Stephen Nolan on Saturday 30 January 2016.
Duration:
This clip is from
More clips from 5 Live In Short
![]()
How a football and a bin revolutionised lunchtimes
Duration: 00:54
![]()
‘I struggled to get my shoes on and get dressed’
Duration: 01:05
![]()
PM: 'Nigel Farage and Reform are just the politics of grievance'
Duration: 00:41





