British police said on Friday they arrested a teenager after five acid attacks in east London left several people with facial injuries including one with "life-changing" effects.

"A male, in his teens has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and robbery. He is currently in custody at an east London police station."

One of the victims had been on a moped when two assailants pulled up alongside him in another moped and threw a corrosive substance in his face, the Metropolitan police said. One of the pair then stole the vehicle.

Police said the 90-minute spree of five attacks began late Thursday. The first acid attack was carried out at 2125 GMT, followed by four other incidents within the following hour and a half all in the east London area, which police said they were treating as linked.

The injuries to one man in his mid-20s are considered to be "life changing," British police said Friday.

The assaults come just days after a separate incident in which a man appeared in court accused of throwing acid at an aspiring model and her cousin.