THE distraught daughter of a Sikh community leader blinded in a mystery attack in Leeds will tonight appeal for help in catching the culprit.

Sukhveer Kaur Uppal will appear on BBC1's Crimewatch at 9pm following an attack in April on her father, Amarjit Singh Uppal, in Moortown, Leeds. Police have now revealed Mr Uppal, 49, was hit in the face with an alkaline-based substance similar to sodium sulphate, which can be found in washing powders and detergents.

Mr Uppal, a leading official at the Sikh Temple in Chapeltown Road, was attacked outside his home in Carr Manor Road on April 3. His daughter said: "This is not something I would wish on my worst enemy. It's sick that someone planned to do this to my dad and I've had to see him go through this."

Mr Uppal told the BBC: "I truly believe I have never done anything in my life to deserve this."

Doctors have told him that his eyes have been severely damaged and it is not known if his sight will return. At present he can only see blurred outlines.

His condition means he cannot enjoy playing football or cycling with his family.

Mr Uppal was attacked by a black man holding the solution in a foil food tray.

Det Insp Adrian Taylor, who is leading the inquiry, said: "We believe this to be a targeted attack by someone who was waiting for Mr Uppal to come home. "

The Sikh Temple, which Mr Uppal attends, and Mr Uppal's family are each offering a £5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. [Link]