THE trial of seven people charged in connection with an acid attack on a child in Worcester could start in January.

The defendants, who have all denied conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, appeared at Worcester Crown Court yesterday before judge Robert Juckes QC.

Sulphuric acid was thrown over a three-year-old boy in Home Bargains on Shrub Hill Retail Park ay 2.15pm on Saturday, July 21.

Those accused of being involved include the boy's 39-year-old father who cannot be identified for legal reasons. The remaining six defendants are: Adam Cech, 27, of Birmingham, Jan Dudi, 25, of Handsworth, Birmingham, Norbert Pulko, 22, of London, Afghan national Jabar Paktia, 41, of New Hampton Road, Wolverhampton, Saied Hussini, 41, of London, and Martina Badiova, 22, of Newcombe Road, Birmingham. A trial date of January 21 had been identified but a venue has yet to be fixed. A further pre-trial review will take place on December 12. The defendants were remanded in custody.