SEVEN people have denied conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm following a suspected acid attack on a child in Worcester.

Adam Cech, 27, of Birmingham, Jan Dudi, 25, of Handsworth, Birmingham, Norbert Pulko, 22, of London, Jabar Paktia, 41, an Afghan national, of New Hampton Road, Wolverhampton, Saied Hussini, 41, of London, and Martina Badiova, 22, of Newcombe Road, Birmingham, all appeared at Worcester Crown Court today before judge Jim Tindal.

The court clerk asked the defendants to stand as he read out the charge which is that they conspired to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, the particulars that between July 12 and July 18 this year they conspired together with others unknown to cause the injuries to a minor.

The alleged acid attack of a three-year-old boy happened at 2.15pm on Saturday, July 21, at Home Bargains on Shrub Hill Retail Park, Tallow Hill, Worcester.

The father of the child, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also appeared in court and denied conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm. The proceedings were relayed to the defendants via four interpreters speaking Slovak, Czech and two Afghan languages, Dari and Pashtun.

The case was adjourned until a one hour long mention hearing at the court, set to take place on Friday, September 21. The trial could take four to six weeks but prosecutor Jonathan Rees said six weeks was 'more realistic, given the number of defendants'.

Judge Jim Tindal said a six week trial at Worcester was 'going to be complex' but that the case could be heard either by Robert Juckes QC, or a high court judge sitting elsewhere, 'given the profile' of the case.

However, he added: "I'm proceeding on the basis it will remain in Worcester."

Mr Rees said the trial would involve CCTV and telephone evidence. The defendants have been remanded in custody.