A 16-year-old Croydon boy accused of carrying out a string of acid attacks on moped riders has appeared in court charged with offences under a Victorian law.

The teenager allegedly targeted six men on bikes in less than 90 minutes on July 13, spraying them in the face with a noxious liquid.

The offences, which left one victim with "life-changing injuries," are said to have taken place in the evening in north and east London.

The defendant is further accused of a separate moped robbery on June 25.

The youth, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared at Wood Green Crown Court by video-link from Feltham Young Offenders Institution on Monday, while his parents sat in court.

The boy is charged with 13 offences, including six counts of throwing a corrosive liquid with intent to "disable, injure, disfigure, maim, or cause grievous bodily harm" under Section 29 of the Offences Against The Person Act 1861.

The offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

He is also charged with two counts of robbery and four counts of attempted robbery.

The teenager spoke to confirm his name during the brief hearing, where he was due to enter pleas.

But Judge Noel Lucas QC adjourned the case until Thursday (August 17).

The judge said: "This court is acutely aware of the huge destructive effect of corrosive substances being thrown at innocent members of the public, and it is a practice that must stop."