Aspiring model Resham Khan, 21, suffered 'life-changing' injuries in the acid attack

A brave acid attack victim today said she was 'patiently waiting for the return of my face' in a harrowing open letter telling of her 'unbearable pain'.

Aspiring model Resham Khan, 21, and her cousin Jameel Muhktar, 37, both suffered 'life-changing' burns in the attack in Beckton, East London.

Now Miss Khan has said she wants to ensure 'no one ever goes through the living nightmare I have endured' after being left with horrific face and neck injuries after the incident on June 21.

It comes as a campaign to change the law to make corrosive substances much harder to buy gained momentum as it hit more than 360,000 signatures online.

In her letter, Miss Khan wrote: 'I invite you all in once again to reflect upon my 21st birthday. A milestone age for many reasons, we must remember that any opportunity to mark or celebrate the occasion was stolen from me.

Miss Khan has said she wants to ensure 'no one ever goes through the living nightmare I have endured' after being left with horrific face and neck injuries after the incident

Miss Khan's cousin Jameel Muhktar also suffered 'life-changing' burns in the attack on June 21

'Stolen in one of the most painfully scarring ways I could ever imagine. My plans are in pieces; my pain is unbearable, and I write this letter in hospital whilst I patiently wait for the return of my face.

'Currently, I have two main priorities: to make a full recovery and to make sure no one ever goes through the living nightmare I have endured.

'Since the attack and the vast media coverage, the disturbing rise of attacks using corrosive substances as a weapon has been brought to the public's attention.'

She said that the number of incidents involving corrosive substances in London has risen from 186 in 2014/2015 to 397 in 2016/2017.

Miss Khan added: 'Street gangs are now using these life-changing substances instead of guns and knives. Why are acids the new street weapon?

'Because corrosive substances are readily available in-store and online for as little as £6.50 and the laws surrounding possession is loose.

Miss Khan (right) and Jameel Muhktar (left, together) are pictured before the horrific attack

'I cannot sit back whilst others remain indoors in fear of this happening to them. This problem needs to be eliminated. I refuse to allow the country I grew up in to simply get used to corrosive substance attacks. The fear is real. The crime is real.'

John Tomlin has been charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent

She has provided a five-point plan, including asking police to take a tougher approach on corrosive substances and retailers to consider regulation changes.

She also wants harsher punishments for acid attack perpetrators and the possession of corrosive substances without good reason to be punishable.

Finally, Miss Khan wants the Government to impose licensing regulations for the buying of corrosive substances, depending on the concentration levels.

John Tomlin appeared at Thames Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent over the alleged attack.

The 25-year-old from Canning Town handed himself in to police on Sunday. He was remanded in custody and told to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on August 8.