Murder charges on accused for acid attack on Lankan students in Oz

Melbourne, July 1 (ANI): Attempted murder charges have been laid against a man accused of an acid attack on two Sri Lankan students during a home invasion in Western Sydney.

Detectives arrested Amalathepan Srikantharajah, 25, of Girraween, about 10am (AEST) on Wednesday and charged him with attempted murder over the May 17 attack in western Sydney's Westmead.

The attack followed a series of racially motivated incidents between Tamil and Sinhalese Sri Lankans following the violent end to that nations 37-year civil war.

The two victims Chathurika Weerasinghe, 27, and housemate Jayasri Watawala, 22, were attacked in their home by a group of men with one also suffering a stab wound to the stomach and a broken ankle.

Strike Force Doorwood Commander Albert Joseph, who is coordinating the investigation, said police were still looking for other offenders.

"Extensive investigations have been conducted by the Strike Force Doorwood investigation team and as a result a male person has been charged with attempted murder, break and enter with intent to commit murder, and use a corrosive substance to maim another person," the Daily Telegraph quoted him, as saying.

The man arrested today already faces a charge of failing to disclose the identification of a passenger in his vehicle following the incident and two other men have previously been charged with concealing a serious offence.

Detective Inspector Joseph said the two victims had been informed of the latest arrest. He said both men were continuing to recover well from their horrific injuries. (ANI)