A man about 23 years old, 5ft 10in tall, wearing a dark jacket and trousers, approached Ian Marriott, assistant manager of Manchesters Ritz ballroom, as he parked his car before work and asked the time.
As Mr. Marriott, 35, looked at his watch the man sprayed powerful corrosive acid over his head and shoulders and ran off. Mr. Marriott died nine hours later in hospital from the effects of inhaling acid. The attack, on Thursday, September 27th, 1990, had no obvious motive.