Police hunt suspect after acid attack outside school sees girl, 14, and boy, 16, hospitalised
Police are hunting a suspect who threw acid at two teenagers and an adult outside a west London school, leaving all three hospitalised.
A 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy remain in hospital after the attack which took place yesterday afternoon outside Westminster Academy in Alfred Road, Westbourne Park.
The girl’s injuries are being treated as potentially life-changing. The boy’s injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing.
A 27-year-old woman, who is a member of staff at the school, “bravely and selflessly” rushed to provide first aid to the two victims, sustaining injuries herself in the process. She has since been discharged from hospital.
Detective Chief Inspector Dean Purvis, who is leading the investigation, said the two teenage victims were believed to be standing outside the main school building, in Alfred Road, when they were approached by a “lone suspect” who threw a substance at them before fleeing down Harrow Road.
The suspect is described as a tall, slim, black male, who was wearing dark clothing with his face obscured by a mask or balaclava, police said. He rode an e-scooter to and from the scene.
DCI Purvis said: “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.”
Met cops on patrol were flagged down by a member of staff at around 4.40pm. Paramedics and London Fire Brigade crews also attended the scene.
Two police officers were taken to hospital as a precaution after they reported feeling unwell. They have both been discharged from hospital.
Tests of the substance are ongoing but the Met believe it to be acidic.
There have been no arrests at this time and a number of crime scenes are in place.
Westminster Academy is closed following the incident, with lessons taking place online and many staff working from home.
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.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information that could help police, should call 101 ref CAD 4987/30Sep.
To remain 100 per cent anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
(Picture: PxHere)