Police are hunting for a man after he hurled an "acid-like" substance at a terrified schoolgirl before fleeing on an e-scooter.
The "distressing" incident happened on Alfred Road outside Westminster Academy in London on Monday afternoon. The 14-year-old girl was with a boy, aged 16, when they were suddenly approached by the "lone suspect". The man threw the "corrosive" substance at them before escaping the scene.
One staff member from their school "bravely" rushed over to the pair to give them first aid. Detectives said the children were rushed to hospital, where they remain. The girl's injuries have been described as serious, whilst the boy's is believed to not be life-changing.
The member of staff was also taken to hospital after sustaining injuries during the attack. However, she has since been discharged. Police have described the suspect as a tall, slim, Black male, wearing dark clothing with his face obscured, possibly by a mask or balaclava. He rode an e-scooter to and from the scene.
READ MORE: Girl, 14, facing life-changing injuries after school 'acid attack' leaves five hurt
A Met Police spokesperson said: “An investigation is underway following a suspected acid attack outside a school in Westminster.” Detective Chief Inspector Dean Purvis, who is leading the investigation, said: “Officers were on routine patrol when they were flagged down to this terrible incident.
“From our enquiries so far we believe the two young victims were on Alfred Road when they were approached by a lone suspect who threw a substance at them before fleeing down Harrow Road. A member of staff bravely and selflessly rushed to provide first aid to the two victims, sustaining injuries herself in the process. Fortunately, she has now left hospital. The two teenage victims – a girl and a boy - remain in hospital. For the 14-year-old girl we might not know for some time how severe her injuries are but at this time they are being treated as life-changing.
“I know how incredibly concerning this incident is to parents and pupils and the wider Westminster community. We are in close contact with the school and local authority, and I can assure people that a thorough investigation is well underway, and that my officers will not stop until the suspect is found and arrested.
“If you have information that can help us, it is imperative that you tell us immediately. The area at the time was busy with people and cars. I am particularly interested in hearing from anyone who might have captured dash cam footage that can help us establish what happened.”
Police on patrol were flagged down at 4.42pm by staff at a school. A staff member sustained injuries when she went to provide first aid. Officers responded with paramedics and the London Fire Brigade. Tests of the substance are ongoing. At this stage officers believe it to be acidic. There have been no arrests at this time and a number of crime scenes are in place.
DCI Purvis added: “I would like to acknowledge the incredible bravery of all the emergency services who responded, including our London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade colleagues. Two officers were taken to hospital as a precaution after they reported feeling unwell. I am happy to update that they are both well and have left hospital, and we will continue to look after their welfare.”
Numera Anwar, principal of Westminster Academy, addressed the "unsettling" incident which took place after school hours. She made the decision to shut the school on Tuesday. The principal told The Mirror: "One pupil, a teacher and a member of the public have been injured in an incident outside the school building on the main road involving an acid-like corrosive substance. This was a distressing incident which took place after school hours when students and staff were leaving the school site. We are offering support to families and relatives of all involved.
“This is a difficult time for our community and I took the decision to close the school today to allow for a thorough investigation and to ensure the school can resume normally from tomorrow with all safety measures in place. We are working with the local authority and will have counsellors and other support available onsite. The welfare of the students at Westminster Academy is always our priority and that continues to remain the case.
"This will clearly be an unsettling time for the wider community and parents. While police lead the investigation into this incident I would urge everyone to avoid speculation as this will not be helpful and may compromise the investigation. Our focus remains on our students and staff members and that is what we are concentrating on.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information that could help police, should call 101 ref CAD 4987/30Sep. To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
