A radical Muslim preacher wanted in connection with the acid attack on two British girls escapes after being shot by officers

Police are hunting a radical Muslim preacher wanted in connection with an acid attack on two British teenagers in Zanzibar.

Sheikh Issa Ponda Issa was cornered by officers near Tanzania's capital Dar es Salaam but managed to escape and is now on the run. He was hit in the shoulder with a tear-gas canister during the altercation, according to local police in Morogoro - the scene of the clash. Police commander Faustine Shilogile said: "He has not been arrested. He has been shot at. We have been looking for him in all corners of the country."

He added: "We are no closer to finding who was responsible for this. But this is a serious police investigation, and we are doing everything we can." Five men are also being questioned by officers, according to the authorities. Victims Katie Gee, and Kirstie Trup, both 18 and from London, are still being treated for burns at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital after arriving home on Friday. They are said to be "well rested and comfortable".

Hat tip: RoP