Five men have been charged with conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm over a suspected acid attack on a three-year-old boy in Worcester.

West Mercia police have said a 22-year-old, 25-year-old and 26-year-old from London and a 39-year-old and 41-year-old from Wolverhampton are due before magistrates in Kidderminster on Wednesday.

The force has refused to comment on speculation that the child was at the centre of a family dispute. But they have said they do not believe the attack was connected to gangland activity or was racially motivated.

DI Jim Bayliss, of West Mercia police, said: “Our officers are continuing to work extremely hard on this investigation. At this time we believe this to be an isolated incident and there is not a wider risk to the public.”

The boy was left with burns after the incident at Home Bargains in the Tallow Hill area of Worcester. He has been discharged from hospital and is under police protection. Police have said the long-term implications of his injuries are unknown.