Investigation under way following suspected acid attack in Westminster

An investigation is under way 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 under way, 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.”

The suspect is described 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.

Police on patrol were flagged down at 16:42hrs on Monday, 30 September by staff at a school in Alfred Road, W2 after a substance was reportedly thrown at pupils. A staff member sustained injuries when she went to provide first aid.

Officers responded with paramedics and the London Fire Brigade and found three people injured:

Victim one - a 16-year-old boy, whose injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing. He remains in hospital.

Victim two - a 14-year-old girl, whose injuries are being treated as potentially life-changing. She remains in hospital.

Victim three - a 27-year-old woman, whose condition is not life-threatening or life-changing. She has been discharged in from hospital.

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.”

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.