A MAN left with horrific burns after being sprayed with acid alongside his cousin believes they were targeted for being Muslim.

Jameel Muhktar, 37, and aspiring model Resham Khan, 21, were in their car when a man attacked them, with the pair left screaming in pain.

8 Resham and cousin Jameel Muhktar, 37, were doused in corrosive liquid as they sat in a car last week

8 Resham Khan posted an account of last Wednesday’s attack on Twitter, describing the 'excruciating pain'

8 John Tomlin, who police want to speak to over an acid attack on an aspiring model and her cousin Credit: PA:Press Association

Speaking to Channel 4 news, Mr Muktar said: "It’s definitely a hate crime. I believe it’s something to do with Islamophobia.

"Maybe he’s got it in for Muslims because of the things that have been going on lately. I don’t know if people are trying to retaliate. We’re innocent people. We didn’t deserve that."

8 Jameel Muhktar said he believed the attack was because he and his cousin were Muslim Credit: Universal News (Europe)

8 The student has had skin grafts after suffering burns to her face and body

8 Resham said she saw 'her clothes burn away' as she ran down the street in agony

He said he had never seen the other man in his life before the attack on his cousin's 21st birthday.

He said he had first thought it was a practical joke when the man began to spray him and Resham with the clear liquid.

Recounting how the morning of June 21 unfolded, he said: "To be honest I didn’t know what I was thinking at the time.

"I’ve opened the window wondering what he wanted because it was a bit strange that he’d knocked on my window and he just squirted this clear liquid over us which I thought it was water.

"Until my cousin started to scream. I was watching her burning. Next thing you know I’m burning. The guy’s run off."

Both Resham and Jameel suffered horrific burns, with the young woman saying she saw her clothes "burn away in front of me."

Resham, a student, just back from an exchange year in Cyprus, has had skin grafts after suffering burns to her face and body.

Now police want to urgently speak to John Tomlin, 24, about the attack.

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Police have warned people not to approach Tomlin but to call 999 if they see him.

He is a white man, about 6ft tall with a sticky build and fair hair - he is known to often be in the Canning Town area of London.

One family member told The Sun: “We do see it as a possible terror attack. Nobody in their right mind would just go and do something like that. It’s because they are Islamic.

“Resham was a beautiful, beautiful girl. She now thinks she is a monster. We just have to hope it is all on CCTV and the person will be caught.”

Detective Superintendent Neil Matthews, said: "I would like to reassure the public that our continued focus remains on finding the person responsible for this horrendous act of violence.

"We will continue to progress these enquiries as quickly as humanly possible and fully understand concerns that they should be brought to justice quickly.

8 One family member said she now thinks she is a monster after the attack

8 Police have said there has been no evidence to suggest the attack was racially or religiously motivated

"Anyone with information is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police or Crimestoppers if they have any information that may lead to an arrest or provide other information to assist our enquiries. This male should not be approached; instead members of the public should dial 999 if seen."

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Anyone with detail of John Tomlin's whereabouts is asked to call the police non-emergency line on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by tweeting @MetCC.

While enquiries into this attack remain ongoing, there is no current information to suggest that this attack was racially or religiously motivated.

The family is raising funds for the pair, hoping to fundraise £20,000.

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