A student is in intensive care after allegedly being kidnapped and tortured.

Economics student Motaz Zaid, 20, is under police guard after allegedly being kidnapped in Fulham and forced to drink bleach.

Officers found Mr Zaid in Beverley Way, Kingston, on April 10 suffering from facial burns and having been assaulted.

Mr Zaid's father Azz told the Evening Standard: "They sprayed him with acid, burning his face. They made him drink ammonia, they pulled his ears with pliers.

"He is in intensive care. We don't know if his vision is affected yet. Doctors say it is very serious.

"He woke up today but he cannot speak, his throat is very damaged. He can only point. We are waiting to hear what will happen.

"My heart is broken when I see my son like that. I can't believe anyone could do that to another human being."

Police were called to St Marks Close in Fulham on April 10 around 12:40am after reports a man had been stabbed and another had been dragged into a car.

Ten minutes later officers on patrol approached a silver Mercedes C220 Estate with its boot open in Beverley Way, Kingston, but were unable to stop the vehicle after it drove off.

It is believed Motaz Zaid is the man who was seen being dragged into a vehicle in Fulham.

Azz Zaid alleged his son was involved in a minor collision a week before he was attacked and had been threatened with violence if he did not pay the other driver £400.

Met Police Trident gang crime command's Detective Sergeant Paul Buckley said: "Our investigation is progressing and we are in close contact with the victim and his family whilst he is being treated for his injuries in hospital.

"At this early in our enquiries we are exploring a number of possible lines of enquiry as to what the motive for this particularly nasty crime could be.

"I would like to reiterate our appeals for witnesses and information and would reassure anyone concerned about contacting the police that they will be treated with the utmost sensitivity."

Anyone with information should call Trident Gang Crime Command on 020 8785 8580 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.