MOSCOW, March 5 - RAPSI. Police in Moscow have detained a suspect over a horrific acid attack on the Bolshoi Theater’s artistic director, a police spokesperson told RIA Novosti on Tuesday.

The suspect, who was not named, is being questioned, the spokesperson said.

A masked assailant threw concentrated acid into the face of Sergei Filin, the Bolshoi’s artistic director, on January 17 in Moscow, before fleeing the scene. He suffered third-degree burns to his face and eyes.

Filin, who has undergone several operations in an attempt to rescue his eyesight, said last month he knew the identity of his attacker.

He also speculated the aim of the attack was to remove him as artistic director and destroy the prestigious Moscow ballet company's reputation.