A British teenager was yesterday charged following an acid attack on a woman on her own doorstep.

The 28-year-old victim suffered horrific injuries to her face and upper body after acid was sprayed in her face in Romford, north-east London.

Scotland Yard said the 15-year-old boy was in custody and was to appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court today accused of throwing corrosive fluid on a person with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

The woman – who is called Tara but has asked for her surname not to be used – answered the door to a stranger who asked to speak to ‘‘Michelle’’ shortly before 9pm on April 30.

He returned about 30 minutes later and squirted an acidic substance in her face from a bottle, according to police.

The woman managed to shut the door after the assault and rinse her face with water while an ambulance was called.

Her pet dog – a long-haired chihuahua – also required treatment but the animal is not thought to have suffered any long-term injuries.

The teenager was arrested on Friday night.